5 easy ways to WALK MORE

Are you finding it tricky to reach 10,000 steps a day? Up your activity by building it into your day by stealth

1 Shop till you drop!‘

When you go shopping, you’re naturally unaware of the steps you’re taking,’ says Joanna Dase, fitness expert at women’s fitness club, Curves (curves.eu). So it’s easier to rack up lots of exercise without realising. And a spot of window-shopping without actually buying will ensure you don’t overspend. Up the count even more with these easy tips, says Joanna: ‘Take the long way round to get to your destination, park a little further away from the shops than usual or even take a lap around the entire shop before you start shopping.’

2 Always take the stairs

Simple but oh so effective. ‘You’d be surprised how your actions become habits,’ says Joanna. ‘If you enter a shop and the escalators are in full view, you’d be more inclined to choose them.’ But make a conscious effort to take the stairs instead of the escalator or lift. ‘If there are too many flights of stairs, use the lift or escalators for half the way and walk the rest,’ advises Joanna. ‘Getting used to stair climbing will help you build and maintain healthy bones and joints.’

 3 Walk to talk

On the phone? Don’t sit down, just walk around while you chat. You’ll be surprised by how many extra steps you can clock up.

 4 Buy a fitness tracker