Even though I am back to working out with Debbie Siebers, creator of Slim in 6, I am still wearing my pedometer and my goal is 10,000 steps per day, which I usually meet or exceed.  When looking at that number, 10,000 steps seems overwhelming, so I have been keeping track of how I get that many steps in a day.

Getting kids ready for school.  I put my pedometer on as soon as I get out of bed (every extra step counts!).  I get up at 5:30, do my morning routine, and then get my kids up at 6:00 a.m.  and they leave at 7:00 a.m.  My minimum has been 1300 and a maximum of 1600 (if it’s a really hectic morning).  Steps gained:  1300

Taking breaks.  I work at home (most times in my pjs!), so taking-the-steps-instead-of-the-elevator advice or the park-as-far-away-from-work-as-you-can spiel doesn’t work for me.  My office is only about 10 steps from my bedroom and 10 steps from my kitchen.  My work also requires a lot of sitting at a desk, and since I work quite a few hours a day, I had to come up with a way to get in some steps.  I take lots of breaks!  No, it’s not always feasible, but it helps get the step count up.  I take a break and get something to drink, walk around, whatever I feel like doing.  Steps gained:  1000 

Working out.  I’ve noticed that my short 24-minute workout (Slim in 6’s Start It Up) gives me an extra 1300 to 1500 steps.  The longer the workout, the more steps I will get.  Definitely wear your pedometer when working out and log those extra steps - they count!  Steps gained:  1300

Talking on the phone.  I don’t know about you, but I cannot sit still when I am on the phone.  I have always been that way.  I have to be up moving around, multi-tasking or just moving in general.  Not sitting still while on the phone gives me at the minimum 600 steps.  If it’s a longer conversation, I log more steps.  Steps gained:  600

Vacuuming.  With 2 kids, I can definitely find a room to vacuum on a daily basis.  Steps gained:  at least 600

We’re about halfway to 10,000 steps!

Fixing dinner.  Self-explanatory.  Steps gained:  minimum of 800

Shopping.  Lately I have had to run to the grocery store at least 2 times per week.  Now, this is a great way for me to get in some steps because I am usually all over the store since there is no rhyme or reason to the way I shop.  For example, I may visit the electronics department once, go to the freezer section and remember I needed something else from electronics, and then go back, then resume shopping in the frozen aisles.  I get, at a minimum, 2,000 steps on one shopping excursion!  On days that I have no shopping to do, I find other ways to replace them.  Steps gained:  2000

Laundry.  Again, with 2 kids and 2 adults, there is always something to be laundered.  I usually get a minimum of 1,000 steps for about two loads of laundry.  However, if I really need the extra steps, I will place clothing that is already on a hanger on the bed and walk a piece at a time to where it needs to go.  Steps gained:  1000

Tidying up.  Dusting, putting away books and toys that are strewn all over the floor, hanging up coats, clearing out clutter - they all count!  Steps gained:  500

After school activities and play time.  Going for walks with my kids, play time, after school sports activities gives me a good many steps as well, usually with a minimum of 1,500.  Steps gained:  1500

Total steps for the day:  10,000+