Easy Ways to Walk More Steps a Day

The days are getting longer and the temps are starting to climb. So dust off your trusty walking shoes and take ‘em for a spin around your neighborhood. Of all the ways to stay fit, walking is the easiest, safest, and cheapest. And if you suffer from achy joints or arthritis, walking often will keep those creaky knees and hips more loose and limber.

Here’s some easy ideas to help your sneakers see a little more action:

• Take the stairs.  If your arthritis is severe, stick to jaunts of just one flight. Otherwise, just say "no!" to the elevator.
• Be a phone walker. Walk around while you're chatting, instead of simply sitting.
• Go for an after-dinner stroll.
• You've got mail? Instead of driving up to the mailbox, take a walk to retrieve your letters.
• Park strategically. When shopping and running errands, park further away from the door.
• Commune with nature. Stroll through a nearby park or nature area a few times a week.
• Make a date. Meet friends on the neighborhood walking path, and go for a stroll instead meeting for lunch.
• Try a lunch combo. Spend half of your lunch hour eating, and the other half walking. You'll get 30 minutes of bonus exercise every day.
• Watching TV? March in place during the commercials. By the end of the show you'll have squeezed in at least 10 minutes of activity.
• Take a break. Anytime you feel drowsy, angry, bored, or stressed, take a 5-minute walk to work out emotions while you "work out" your joints.
• Go downtown. Spend an evening window-shopping. You'll get some exercise and maybe pick up a little something new while you're at it!