How can you get more exercise in your life when you are too busy to go work out? We’ve looked at lots of ways to do that — from doing squats to pick up the laundry to interval housework. Today we’re going to look at the easiest way — and the way you can be most consistent in your efforts to keep moving. Keep track of your steps.

Yes, you’ve heard it from me before, but it is the plan that works! Get a pedometer and start recording your steps. Do it for three days to get an average of how many steps you are taking daily. Set a goal to add 200 daily steps to that number for a week. Then add 200 more the next week. And keep going. Most experts tell you to work up to 10,000 steps.

Make it a game and challenge yourself to beat your record. You could team up with a friend and challenge each other. I like the idea of rewards. Plan to reward yourself with something you would like (not food) when you reach your weekly goal. Choose something bigger that you will get when you reach your 10,000 step goal.

There are plenty of ways to get those steps in. One of my favorite ways is to walk around while I’m on the phone. You can walk around the room when the commercials come on and can get in the habit of being the person who gets up to get the coffee, or the phone, etc. instead of having your spouse or kids do it for you.

Having a step challenge can transform things you dread into something you enjoy. When I keep track of my steps, I think, “Walmart — good. I can get plenty of steps here!” I see how many steps I can accumulate tidying up the house and putting things away. If a chore helps you reach a goal, you won’t dread it nearly so much. You don’t have to go somewhere or spend money to get more active. You can do it at home or at work. It doesn’t have to be painful or even an effort. After a while it gets to be a habit and you keep moving without thinking about it.

So start stepping!

Eating to live and living for Christ,

Susan Jordan Brown