There are so many proven health benefits of walking. But did you know that walking as little as a mile a day is not only easy to fit in on a regular basis, but just this small distance can make a big difference in your health. Here is how to get those feet walking at least a mile a day.
Invest in a Pedometer
One of the easiest ways to check to see if you are getting in at least a mile a day of walking is to invest in a pedometer. There are many inexpensive choices. A while back, Kelloggs Special K was even including pedometers in their boxes of cereal.
While all of those steps do add up, remember that you will get the most health benefit if you walk at least 10 minutes at a time, which is usually about a half a mile for most people.
Trade the Car for the Sneakers
If you have to be somewhere that is the distance of a mile or less, foot it on your own and skip the driving. Do this on a regular basis, and there is your mile automatically. Any distance that is more than a mile (or a dangerous route for pedestrians) can be driven. As a bonus, you’ll save on gas money.
Have you ever parked at one end of a strip mall and then have gotten into your car and driven to another store in the same mall? I think we have all been guilty of that one. Instead, leave the car where it is and walk. You’ll get the health benefits both ways, there and then back again.
There are other ways that you can sneak in that mile. Some examples that come to mind include picking up the kids from school, visiting a neighbor, shopping at the corner store, etc.