Hi Friends!
Happy Friday 🙂 I have a couple new workouts to share with you…but before we recap my week of workouts, I want to share something else with you guys.
On April 6th, I got my Fitbit (To see the post I wrote about why I love it, CLICK HERE). I charged it up and on April 7th I wore it around. I didn’t workout and I didn’t put any extra effort into getting steps. It was a Saturday I think so we were out running errands. I walked 5,800 steps. That night I decided that from then on I wanted to get 10,000 steps every day. Today is June 8th. That means that every day for the past 2 months, I’ve walked at least 10,000 steps! Pretty cool, right?
Here are the Fitbit charts from all but this past week:
When I was working, it was easy. I’d easily get 6,000-7,000 steps in a 3 hour shift. But there were days when I wasn’t working. When I had my treadmill laptop stand, it was easy. I could get 6,000 steps while checking my email and reading blogs in the morning. But currently my treadmill is broken 🙁
What I’m saying is, it hasn’t been easy every day. And some days I only clear 10,000 by about 10 steps….but it doesn’t matter. I’m still getting to 10,000. I’m making the extra effort to move more, be more active, walk when I’d rather nap…
I thought I’d share a few things that have helped me get my 10,000 steps each day.
Let’s break it down:
- Leave Early: When you have somewhere to go, and you have a little extra time, leave early. I would leave for class about 30 minutes earlier than I needed to and spend that extra time walking around campus to get some extra steps in. Prior to getting my fitbit I would have just sat on the couch, or in the classroom and waited for class to start.
- Walk Daily: If you have a dog, take them for a walk every day. If you have a spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend/child/friend/coworker- go for a walk with them! It doesn’t have to be long. Squeeze in a 15 minute walk here or there and it’ll get you about 2,000 steps. My dogs have had more walks in the past 2 months than they previously had in a whole year.
- Take the Stairs: It’s a no brainer, friends. Any time you find yourself getting ready to take the elevator or escalator, find the stairs and take them instead. Every step counts.
- Be Indirect: I almost never take a straight path to wherever I need to end up. Use a zigzag pattern to walk across a store, walk around the perimeter instead of straight up the middle, park on the opposite side of the parking lot from the department you need to go to, walk up and down those extra aisles in between where you are and where you need to go instead of just passing them by.
- Walk and Talk: If you’re on the phone, walk around. I understand this might not be possible at work, but if you’re at home talking to your mom, or at your kid’s soccer game talking to a friend, walk around. There’s no reason you need to sit still to talk on the phone.
- Set a Goal: There’s no way I would be walking 10,000 steps every day if I hadn’t made it a goal for myself. If 10,000 is too many steps for you at first, aim for 7,500. You need something to strive for each day or you probably won’t be motivated to get all those steps.
- Take a Lap, Not a Nap: Next time you feel like laying down for a nap, go for a quick walk instead. Tell yourself you’ll walk one mile and then if you’re still tired after that, you’ll lay down. I bet, a lot of the time, after you walk, your energy will be restored and you won’t need that quick nap. And if it’s not, then hey- at least you got some steps in before you rested!
- Set the Timer: If having to walk x number of miles each day seems daunting to you, break it down into blocks of time. Whenever you have a small chunk of free time, set a timer and walk. It doesn’t matter if it’s 5 min, 15 min or an hour. Walk around your house, walk up and down the stairs, walk outside…just set the timer and go! And don’t stop until it goes off. Repeat throughout the day.
- Develop a Routine: After trying to reach your goal steps for so many days in a row, you’ll find you develop some routines to help you get there. You learn when it’s easiest for you to fit in a walk. You learn which walking route to take depending on how many steps you need. You start doing everyday tasks a certain way in order to maximize the number of steps it takes you to do them. Then, on days when you’re really struggling…stick with what you know works to get you to that 10,000 mark.
- Have No Shame: There is no shame in heading to the basement at 11:45pm to pace around and run in place in order to get those last 500 steps in. There’s no shame in going to the bathroom every time you have the slightest urge to pee, even when you really could hold it, just to get some extra steps….No shame, friends. Do whatever it takes to get those steps!
So there you have it. I don’t set a lot of goals, but this is one that I actually like accomplishing each day!
Let’s review this past week, shall we?
Friday – Sunday: I pretty much took the weekend off. We had our college reunion and were gone for part of the weekend and to be honest, I was just tired. I didn’t want to work out. So I didn’t. Sunday night I did some planks and we played volleyball.
Monday: I did a new 100 workout that worked both my arms and legs. It was ROUGH. I was sore for 3 days…especially my legs. Holy Moly.
I used 12# dumbbells and a 10# med ball.
#PROOF
When Hubby came home, we headed out on a 12 mile bike ride. I stalked a heron, trying to get a good picture and we rode enjoyed the view at the dam.
Tuesday: I was so sore I could barely walk so I stuck to just abs and walking the dogs.
Wednesday: It was National Running Day. My legs were still sore but I forced myself outside to do the following:
The third 10 minutes of running was miserable. I didn’t think I was gonna make it. But I did it!! Also note how red my face it. When I run, my face gets RED. It doesn’t matter if it’s just for 5 minutes, or for the entirety of an hour long soccer game. My coaches used to bench me because they thought I was overheating…but no, my face just likes to get red 🙂
There you go! Some new workouts and tips for walking.
So tell me… Do you have a goal for daily steps? What’s your favorite way to sneak in some extra steps throughout the day?
Enjoy!
–Lindsay–
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that’s awesome!!!!
I try to walk everywhere I can 🙂
Holy cow that head to toe workout looks intense! Living in NYC, I walk EVERYWHERE. That’s so great that you’ve been able to get 10,000 steps in every day so consistently. Congrats!!
yeah i think it would definitely be easier for me if i lived in the city where i can walk places! gotta put in more effort out here in the burbs 🙂
My face gets red like that when I workout too, no matter what I do!
I like the 100 workouts!! 🙂
yay! glad you like them!
I’m going to attempt the 100 abs sometime this weekend since my running schedule is light. I’m slightly terrified. AHHH its going to burn so good
eeeee! enjoy 🙂
OH.MY.GOODNESS. 100 Bulgarian split squats? I rolled off the couch and started panting… when my husband asked me what I was doing, I responded that I’m prepping for death by split squats. Maybe I’ll skip that workout! 🙂
Congrats on the 10,000+ steps! Now THAT is something I need to work on. I probably get less than a 1,000. Not good!
they are rough…that’s why i get them out of the way first!
no shame, love it!! and i am so trying that 100 workout!
lemme know how it goes!
Wow!!!
Take a lap, not a nap. I love that one!
cheesy, but i still love it 🙂
it’s so funny you say talk on the phone while walking because i do that ALL the time! sometimes i’m gone for an hour and my hubby is like were you talking and walking the whole time??? YES!! can’t do a whole lot else while focusing on the conversation so i may as well move!! LOVE IT!
haha it’s a super easy way!!!
I love this! Achieving true health isn’t easy, but it’s so simple. Pinning! xo
thanks so much 🙂
I love this! I love all your tips too… I think my main issue is that I need to make sure to get up and out for lunch (instead of staying at my desk WORKING), so that I get a mid-day boost in # of steps and endorphins and all that. That is going to be my goal next week… to take at least a 15 minute walk outside on the walking trails near my office building to sneak in some extra steps! Thanks for the idea/motivation!
yes!!! moving on your lunch break is an awesome idea!!! good luck!
Ooooh REALLY fab tips for getting more steps in! It helps having a fitbit or pedometer as a reminder to move around more. Those are some great ways to sneak em in almost effortlessly – thanks!
you’re welcome! have fun MOVING MORE 🙂
those are such great ways to move more! I love being able to track my progress!
me too! makes me feel accomplished!
That’s awesome! As I’m sure you can see I’m not getting the 10,000 as often as I would like. I spend 8 hours in a car or class, but that’s no excuse. I’m going to make a better habit to get moving!
get it girl! i know you can do it!
10,000 steps a day is so hard for most of clients – be proud of your active lifestyle! 🙂
thank you!!
I am beyond impressed with your 10,000 steps… way to go! I like to walk everywhere too, but it’s gotten a little trickier with a toddler, and now in Tx it’s HOT! So often I get my workout in first thing in the morning and have very few steps after that… but you’ve motivated me to be more aware of my steps throughout the day!
awesome! so glad to hear it!
Totally makes me want to get a pedometer and see how many steps I’m really getting!
I have been doing the SAME thing with my FitBit. I’ve sprinted up stairs at 11:55pm trying to get those last flights in. 🙂
congrats on 10,000 steps for two months!! i go in spurts where i’m really really good about hitting 10,000 steps, but then life gets CRAZY and besides my run or workout i’m stuck at my computer. (oh like now? yeah. damn dissertation taking over my life.)
You’ve inspired me to finally go get some new batteries so I can use my pedometer again! I used it sometimes in college, and I always have to make my goal to get in 10,000 steps before dinner. If I’m not quite there, I take a walk just before dinner because there are so many nights when I just want to relax in the evening.
Just found your blog and dang, I love it! So many fun workouts and tidbits to share!! I really like your “100” themed workouts- I always try to have some rhyme or reason to mine or else i get super bored/complacent, and those two words are NEVER good in the gym! …or in life for that matter.
Also, you just might be the poster child for fitbit! I seriously want one now… hello next paycheck 🙂
Lastly, I love your rhyme “take a lap, not a nap” SO many days, I will get home from teaching and be exhausted and want to pass out. But, I realize if I just put on my sneakers and walk around the block, I feel so much better! Seeing the flowers, waving to neighbors, and breathing fresh air is invigorating! Love it.
I love the last one, just running around in the basement to get more steps! Lol!
Such a great post!! I always take the stairs and walk wherever I can. 😀
Amen to having no shame! I love my fitbit and the extra push it gives me to log a few more steps each day. Thanks for sharing these great tips and workouts. Happy almost weekend!
Love your creativity Lindsay!! And WAY TO GET 10,000 in/day!! Committed!
Great post, Lindsay! I get my 10,000 in by walking to and from work every day.
yay for the 10,000 steps! I know I don’t get that many. I need to break out my pedometer again! your workouts were making me sweat just reading them!!! 🙂
The head to toe workout looks very intense! Those are excellent tips for adding 1,000 steps to your day!
I try to walk a lot too!! My boyfriend is actually doing a corporate challenge right now to walk 10,000 steps every day, his personal goal is 13,000 I think. He walks in place at home all the time, it’s kinda funny but gets you moving!
I like the 100 workout. I don’t really make it a point to walk much. I feel like I am on my feet all day around the house and chasing my kids.
Awesome! I just got a FitBit too and I’ve been loving it. It’s making me walk move and move more already.
Not going to lie, I totally thought it said take your COW for a walk, not coworker. I think my pain meds are making me loopy… 😉
Anyway, I get an hour for lunch but it usually only takes me 20-30 minutes to eat my lunch so I like to spend the rest of the time walking outside. Especially since I work next to the beach – gorgeous views AND exercise. Can’t be beat.
I love my pedometer. I bought it a few weeks ago (I wrote a post about it Thursday) and I’m obsessed with how many steps I get. I’ve been trying to do 10,000 a day minimum and most days I’ve been a few thousand steps over. I think it’s really fun!
Wow, that is so amazing you’ve gotten in 10,000 steps everyday for 2 months! I am quite impressed and intrigued by this. I think I need to get a step counter thing. I’m always taking the stairs over the elevator, but other than that I could walk more I’m certain.
great workouts-like always!
I love this post. and you of course. <3
If i do one of your workout i hate you the whole time but yet im so thankfuk you post them because im a workout newbie…….hahhaha i really like the abs one by the way
awesome!! glad you’re liking them 🙂
WOW! Congratulations on your 2 month streak! As a FitBit owner myself, I know how hard it is to get 10,000 steps. In my sedentary job, by 6pm I only have 3,000 steps under my belt. On days I work from home, I’m lucky if I hit 1,000 by then. So it takes a lot of extra, conscious effort to hit 5,000 on a weekday, let alone 10,000!