How to get steps in without going to the gym

The+SCAVMA+Scamper+5k+and+10k+run%2Fwalk+took+place+Saturday%2C+April+14%2C+at+the+Veterinary+Medical+Center.+Participants+brought+along+their+dogs+to+help+raise+money+for+the+Josh+and+Friends+charity%2C+which+helps+children+in+the+hospital.%0A

Photo: Kendra Plathe/Iowa State Daily

The SCAVMA Scamper 5k and 10k run/walk took place Saturday, April 14, at the Veterinary Medical Center. Participants brought along their dogs to help raise money for the Josh and Friends charity, which helps children in the hospital.

Andrea Poppinga

It is usually said that people should be getting 10,000 steps a day, but 15,000 may be the new goal, according to Time

This number of steps can be achieved in a variety of ways; one common way being the gym. Here are a few other ways you can work towards getting your daily steps without the gym. 

Take the stairs- This is one of the most underrated ways to get some steps in each day. Whether you’re at an apartment complex, class, mall or anywhere for that matter, it could be beneficial to take the stairs whenever you are given the opportunity.

Walk the dog- Whether it is your dog or a neighbor’s dog, if they are willing, take it on a stroll. This is a fun and easy way to get some exercise and it may not even feel like exercise at all.

Park farther away- Whenever you are out running errands, getting groceries, etc. purposely park your car farther away than normal. This way it forces you to walk a little bit and get those steps in.

Clean your house/apartment- While this may not sound appealing, what’s better than getting your daily steps in and having a fresh and clean living space? Between vacuuming and dusting, you will have your steps in and a clean, cozy home in no time.

Go walk around at the mall- For some people out there, this one shouldn’t take too much persuasion. Walking around the mall leisurely can take some steps off your hands pretty fast. It can be hard to notice that you are getting exercise in when you are paying more attention to all the cute clothes and bargain deals.