How to Get Consistent with Getting More Steps In!

In a world where fitness routines are often centered around intense workouts, lifting weights, and high-tech gadgets, it’s easy to overlook one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay active—walking. Getting more steps in each day has a huge impact on your health, from improving cardiovascular health to boosting your mood. However, like any habit, consistently getting more steps in requires dedication and strategy. Here’s a guide to help you make walking a regular part of your routine, no matter how busy life gets.

1. Set a Realistic Goal

The first step to consistency is setting a goal that’s both realistic and achievable. While the commonly referenced 10,000 steps a day is a great benchmark, you don’t have to hit that number right away. Start by tracking your current daily steps and aim to gradually increase it by 1,000–2,000 steps a day. Small, manageable goals are more likely to stick in the long term.

Tip: Use a fitness tracker or a smartphone app to monitor your daily steps. Seeing your progress can be motivating!

2. Incorporate Walking into Your Routine

One of the easiest ways to get more steps in is to integrate walking into your existing daily schedule. You don’t need extra time if you make walking a natural part of your day. Here are a few simple ways to do that:

• Park further from the entrance when you go to the store or work.

• Opt for stairs instead of the elevator.

• Take walking meetings or phone calls.

• Walk to nearby errands instead of driving.

• Set a timer to get up and walk every hour if you have a desk job.

3. Make Walking Enjoyable

It’s easier to stay consistent with something you enjoy. Find ways to make walking more enjoyable for you:

• Walk with a friend: Turning your walk into a social event can make the time fly by.

• Listen to podcasts or audiobooks: A good story or interesting conversation in your ear can turn a long walk into something you look forward to.

• Explore new routes: Change up your scenery by exploring new walking paths, parks, or neighborhoods.

4. Schedule Time for Walks

If you’re struggling to get enough steps, treat your walks like any other important appointment. Block out time in your schedule for a morning, lunchtime, or evening walk, even if it’s just 10–15 minutes at a time. Consistency is about creating habits, and setting a specific time each day can make walking part of your routine.

Tip: Start with something small, like a 5-minute walk after lunch, and gradually build from there.

5. Break It Up Throughout the Day

You don’t need to take one long walk to get your steps in. If a busy schedule makes it hard to carve out a long period for walking, break it up into smaller chunks. Take a 10-minute walk after each meal or use your breaks at work to walk around the block. These mini walks can quickly add up to big step counts by the end of the day.

6. Use Challenges for Motivation

If you're the competitive type, consider joining a step challenge. Many apps and devices offer step challenges that let you compete with friends or yourself to reach specific goals. Friendly competition can help boost motivation and push you to move more.

7. Be Consistent, But Flexible

Consistency doesn’t mean perfection. Life happens, and there will be days where you don’t hit your step goal. That’s okay! The key is to get back on track the next day without letting one off day spiral into a week of inactivity. Progress is more important than perfection.

8. Celebrate Small Wins

As with any fitness goal, celebrating small milestones is crucial for staying motivated. Each time you hit a new step goal or maintain a streak of consistent days, acknowledge your achievement. It could be something small like treating yourself to a new audiobook for your walks or simply taking a moment to feel proud of your progress.

Getting consistent with walking and increasing your daily step count doesn’t have to be complicated. By setting realistic goals, incorporating steps into your daily routine, and making walking enjoyable, you can build a habit that benefits your overall health. Start small, stay consistent, and watch the positive impact grow over time. Walking is more than just a way to get from point A to point B—it’s a simple yet powerful tool to boost your well-being every day.

Now it’s time to lace up your shoes and get moving!