How to Work a Few Extra Steps Into Your Day
by Angie Smith

Modern day conveniences have made it easier and more efficient for people to get here and there without having to exert much effort. From cars to elevators and escalators to moving walkways, technology has allowed people the opportunity to cover more ground while physically doing less. But in the world of physical health, less is not more.

According to Intenz Athletix, makers of the Intenz Athletix pedometer, which can count the number of steps a person takes, the average person logs in only around 3,000 steps to 5,000 steps each day. But they recommend each person regularly accumulate at least 10,000 steps per day to maintain good health.

The average person of modern day is trained to reach for the convenient and forgo the extra effort, but for those who are looking to lose weight and improve their health, here are some suggestions for how to make it easier to get back on track.

• Park at the back of the parking lot. We are all in a hurry these days, but most of us can spare a few extra minutes to walk a greater distance to the store and back. The benefits you can gain are enormous and you will have the extra bonus of rarely having to fight for a parking space.
• Take the stairs. When given the choice always choose to take the stairs as opposed to the elevator. And this also applies if you are at the mall – find out where the staircases are and choose those over the escalators.
• Walk the airport. Unless you are disabled in some way, always choose to walk the long corridors of the airports and avoid the temptation to catch a ride or hop on one of the moving walkways.
• Buy a pedometer. It is a useful tool to keep track of exactly how many steps you take on average per day and will give you a way to monitor your improvement.
• Walk to get your mail. In the afternoon or evening when you go to check the mailbox, do not stop in your car as you pull into your driveway, but choose to park and walk to check it.

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