After a year of pandemic life, many of us have packed on more pounds than we’d care to admit. It’s understandable though. When you’re cooped up in the house day in and day out, it’s hard to resist boredom eating and the comfort of your couch.
But summer is here, and things are finally getting back to normal. So, it’s time to get up off that couch.
If you wanna get that body snatched before the end of summer, now is the time to start eating right and getting active again.
Like many, I find that counting my steps is a great way to make sure I stay active. I don’t have a gym membership, and me and jogging don’t get along. So, counting my steps is a convenient way to ensure this soon-to-be 40-year-old guy (a very young 40 might I add) keeps it moving.
I aim for at least 8000 steps a day, which is supposedly enough to help you live a longer life. But, getting all those steps in can be tricky without hitting a treadmill or jogging around the park every morning.
However, if there’s a will, there’s a way. So, strap on that determination, and check out my tips to help you keep it moving.
Get to Cleaning
Now, I doubt any of us actually enjoy cleaning. But on the bright side, cleaning is an excellent way to tack on those steps while also being productive. Just think of how many steps you get in by vacuuming your whole apartment or house.
You may be sweaty and tired after an hour of dusting, sweeping, and mopping, but it will be all worth it once you see that your step count went up, and your kitchen floor is crumb-free again.
Go Shopping
Shopaholics rejoice! Finally, you have a legit reason to hit up the mall! Shopping is the easiest way to get steps in without realizing you’re getting steps in.
I’m one of those weirdos who actually enjoys grocery shopping. Every time I leave Kroger, the step count on my pedometer shoots up!
So, now that the country has opened back up, get your shop on and rack up those steps the fun way.
Browse the aisles at Target, try on shoes at Rack Room, or spend an afternoon at the flea market. Your debit card may feel some type of way about your shopping sprees, but your pedometer will be happy.
While you’re out shopping, be sure to do the next thing on the list.
Park Farther Away
This is such a simple way to get in a few extra steps. Instead of driving around and around looking for a spot closest to the front door, park far back in the parking lot. Those few extra steps may be all you need to hit your step-count goal for the day.
Be Less Practical
Now, this one may be hard for some of you. I know you probably like to work smarter, not harder. However, that isn’t always the best reasoning to follow, particularly if you’re trying to get steps in. Instead of taking quick routes and trying to limit the amount of work you do, go the extra mile…literally.
For instance, when you’re bringing in groceries, don’t try to carry all the bags in at once. Take in a bag or two at a time so that you’re forced to keep going back to the car. All that back and forth may feel like a waste of time, but your steps will go up, and that’s ultimately your goal.
When you go check the mail at your apartment complex, don’t walk the quickest way there. Take the scenic route and get a few more steps in. As the saying goes, the fastest way isn’t always the best way. (Don’t get me lying as to who said that – but it fits!)
Walk the Dog
When it comes to counting steps, dog walking is where it’s at!
For the past few years, I lived in a house with a fenced-in backyard. I simply opened the back door, let my dog out to do her business, and that was a wrap. Now that I’m in an apartment again, my fat a$$ has no choice but to take the pooch for a walk. We walk 3 times a day, and my step count goes through the roof with each walk.
You can easily get in 500-1000 steps by walking your dog just once around your neighborhood. Take the dog out in the morning, afternoon, and evening, and your pedometer will be booming!
If you aren’t a dog owner, you may want to consider getting a puppy if you’re struggling to get those steps up. Hell, you could sign up to be a dog walker and make money at the same time.
If dogs aren’t your thing though, but you still wanna make some dough while you pack on those steps, then this next suggestion is for you.
Sign Up for a Food Delivery Service
As a food deliverer myself, I promise you will get in plenty of steps this way. You’re constantly in and out of your car, going in and out of restaurants, and walking back and forth to people’s front doorsteps.
Heck, some of you will use the stairs more times in a night than you do in a whole week. There’s nothing like walking up the stairs to a 3rd-floor apartment, only to realize you’re at the wrong side of the building and have to retake your staircase journey on the other side. 
While schedule options vary across companies, you’re an independent contractor and ultimately decide when you want to work.
If you don’t want to put miles on your car, or spend time “working,” I get it. But if you’ve got time to spare, a food delivery gig can be a fun way to get both your coins and your steps up.
All in all, there are plenty of ways to sneak some extra steps into your day.
What methods do you use to get your step count up? Toddley wants to know. Drop me a comment below!
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Thank you, Malk! So glad you liked it.
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