Walking is the best exercise for your feet. It is safer than many other sports, but the benefits can be similar. However, getting steps in isn’t always easy or necessarily fun. So how do you incorporate more activity into your day? Here are some creative and sneaky tips for reaching your step count goals! 
Don’t be afraid to ask for help:
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Use a pedometer or activity tracker. If you don’t have one, you can get one pretty easily. It doesn’t have to be fancy; it just needs to tell you the number of steps you’ve taken. It surely beats having to manually count your steps!
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Set reasonable goals and have accountability. Start slow and low and increase as you get more comfortable with walking. Additionally, try to partner with a buddy or online group so that people will keep you motivated and accountable for reaching for your goals.
Trick yourself into taking more steps:
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“Forget” to bring something from upstairs or from another room. Don’t necessarily wait to need multiple items to go to another area. If you’re cleaning, apply the cleaning spray and then walk back to get paper towels. Not only will you let the spray work a bit longer, you’ll work in more steps!
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Park far way from where you need to go. Not only will finding a spot be easier, you’ll have to put in more steps!
Work at a desk all day? Find excuses to move:
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Get a smaller cup for water or other drinks so that you have to go back to the kitchen for a refill. Remember to drink plenty of water each day to stay well-hydrated!
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Use the bathroom at the other end of the hall instead of the one closest to you.
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Got a meeting on a different floor? If it’s possible, take the steps to that next meeting.
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Instead of calling or messaging your coworker, walk over to their desk. Get some facetime and increase your step count!
Do you have problems walking or reaching your step count due to pain? Come see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505 to get assessed and properly treated so that we can keep you stepping. Our team is ready to assist you at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.