Walking is One of Nature's Best Remedies: Here's How to Get More Steps

A huge body of research shows that moving your body is your best defense against weight gain, a host of diseases, and the ravages of aging. If you think you need a gym membership or an aerobics class to get in your required cardio, think again. As it turns out, walking is one of the best exercises for staying fit.

Walking briskly gets your heart rate up, and it's easy on the joints. Best of all, it counts as moderate exercise, according to the Centers for Disease Control, which stresses that to get the best benefits of exercise, you should get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. This boils down to just a half hour a day, five days a week.

For some, finding time to take a half-hour walk is a challenge. The good news is that recent research shows that breaking your 30 minutes down into three 10-minute bouts — or even 10 three-minute bouts — has the same beneficial effects as doing it all at once.

Whichever way you slice it, science shows that getting in a good brisk walk each day will keep you healthier and happier. Here are some clever ways to get more steps into your day.

Ditch the Car

A mile-long walk takes about 20 minutes for most people. If you live in town, there are probably a number of places you go that are within a mile from home. Make a list of them. Whenever possible, take a walk instead of a drive to the places on your list.

Take a Hike

If you live near a park, make a point to take nature hikes whenever you can. Walking in nature is even more beneficial than walking in the city. It reduces stress, clears your mind, and promotes creative thinking.

Walk for Charity

There's always a 5k or 10k on the horizon to benefit one cause or another. Sign up, and lace up your walking shoes for charity. Get your friends, family members, or co-workers on board, and form a team. The more, the merrier.

Start a Walking Club at Work

Start a walking club with your co-workers. Walking for just ten minutes over the lunch hour takes care of a third of your daily requirements. For added incentive to get in more steps, challenge your co-workers to see who can walk the most steps each week.

Walk with a Friend

If taking solo walks aren't your cup of tea, enlist some of the friends you see regularly to walk with you. Instead of meeting up for coffee or cocktails, meet up at the park and take a hike, or walk around the neighborhood. Walking with a friend makes for great conversation, and you'll find the time goes very quickly, leaving you wanting more.

Walk During Commercials

If you're just not up for a walk at the end of your day, you can get in some steps without even leaving the house. While you're watching TV, get up and move during each commercial. Walk through the house, up and down the stairs, on the treadmill, or even in place. As long as you're moving your body, you're getting the benefits of exercise.