Step By Step
Let's face it, 2020 has wrecked step counts over and over and over again. The unnecessary shopping trips to Target where you park at the back of the parking lot are gone, the trips to the actual gym aren't happening, and just leaving the house is harder to justify.
In a normal year, my step goal is a minimum of 10K steps - and it is so not happening right now. Well, let me take a step back - it IS happening somedays. For a day when my body is cooperating, my new goal for everyday is 7,500 steps. That means I can't go to bed before the number is exceeded. Most nights that means I am pacing around the kitchen island trying to hit that number.
To help keep my numbers up, here is what I am doing:
Participating in Steps Bets & Races
Let's face it, winning and medals keep members moving so I am using that motivation to my advantage. There are so many bets out there and virtual races, that I am entering in them all. I know I am going to be lazy the week of Thanksgiving so I've put together a small group of friends that have committed to running, walking, or cycling a 5K with me so we gobble before we wobble. Plus, there is a virtual race involved.
Self Care Walks
I know winter is going to be here any day now, but when it is 75 out in the middle of the day and we are forced to work from home, the day just screams for a midday walking break. I'm getting out in our neighborhood as much as possible and taking the dog with me. She needs her exercise too! We take walks when the schedule allows and I try to do it when I can be by myself or just with the pup. No other distractions so I can decompress while doing something good for my body.
Audio Calls Only!
Ok, I know not everyone can do this, but I take as many work calls as I can not on zoom or I just dial in. This way, I can pace back and forth around my office while in the meeting. It turns out, this helps my creativity and I am getting to my goal of getting my movement in throughout the day. If I had a quieter treadmill I would take advantage of it but, sadly, it is way too noisy.