Most health experts recommend that you aim to get in at least 10,000 steps per day. Unless you have a job that keeps you on your feet all day, this can be a difficult goal to reach. However, there are a number of things that you can incorporate into your day so that you reach that 10,000-step goal. Here are a few ways to get started.

Set an Alarm to Walk

Many of today's modern smartwatches have alarms that will go off when you have been sedentary for too long. Lean on this technology and set an alarm to go off every 30 minutes or when you have not moved in a while. Sitting for too long raises your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. You can mitigate this risk by being intentional about moving regularly. You will be surprised at how quickly these steps add up.

Split Up Your Walking

Some people shy away from trying to get in the 10,000 steps because it seems too overwhelming. However, it is important to remember that you do not have to record these steps all at one time. If your daily schedule is not conducive to fitting in a long walk, try breaking them up into more manageable sessions. For example, instead of a long one-hour walk, aim to get in four 15-minute walks.

Park Far Away

If you are out running errands, add some extra steps to your tally by parking at the far end of the lot. A few trips from the back of the lot can easily add 1,000 steps to your daily total. If you take public transportation, consider getting off one stop early so that you can squeeze in some additional steps. Better yet, try to walk your errands if they are located close to each other. This may mean having to park in the middle of two of your destinations, but the rewards will be worth it.

Take the Stairs

One of the oldest tricks in the book for getting in your steps is to take the stairs. Rather than settling on the elevator, look for the nearest staircase and start huffing and puffing up those instead. This strategy can be especially beneficial if you happen to work in an office building where you are presented with many opportunities to take the stairs. As a bonus, taking the stairs also works different muscle groups than simply walking.

Walk While Talking on the Phone

Need to spend some time on a work call? Or are you missing a friend and want to catch up on life? When you reach for that phone, also consider reaching for your tennis shoes. Your daily walk will fly by when you are on the phone catching up with a friend.

Walk in Place

Not all walking needs to involve forward movement. If you know that you are going to be short on reaching your daily step goal, try fitting in some quick walking in place bursts. Good times to do this include when you are brushing your teeth or washing the dishes. Or try hopping up during the commercial breaks of your favorite television show and walking in place.

Make it Social

You will enjoy your daily walks more if you schedule them with a friend or family member. Perhaps you and your spouse want to designate time after dinner each night to take a walk around the neighborhood? Or maybe you want to make it a family event? Scheduling a time with friends to grab a coffee and go for a walk is another good way to fit more into your life while increasing your step count.

Skip the Drive-Thru

Rather than relying on the convenience of a drive-thru, make it a habit to park your car and walk into the restaurant or pharmacy instead. This will become second nature once you get out of the habit of simply staying in your vehicle.

Getting up and moving your body regularly is one of the very best things that you can do for your health. Being intentional about getting in these steps can have a profound effect on your wellness.