As a corporate working lady, staying active can be a challenge, especially if you’re trying to meet your daily step goals while balancing a hectic work schedule. 9-5 office days leave us seated at a desk with very little movement happening at all.
However, with some creativity, you can easily find ways to fit more steps into your day without compromising productivity or time. Here are five effective strategies to help busy, corporate working women increase their step count:
Opt for walking meetings
Traditional sit-down meetings are sometimes unavoidable, but whenever possible, suggest a walking meeting! Walking meetings are ideal for brainstorming sessions, quick check-ins, and one-on-one discussions. Not only will you get some steps in, but studies show that walking also boosts creativity and productivity, which can make meetings more engaging and productive. Just grab a notebook or use your phone for quick notes.
Pro tip: Plan a walking route in advance to ensure your meeting stays on track and avoid noisy areas to keep discussions focused.
Take the stairs
Whether it’s entering the building, leaving for lunch, or moving between floors, the stairs are a perfect way to squeeze in extra steps and a bit of cardio! Even if your office is on a higher floor, consider walking a few flights and then taking the elevator the rest of the way. The added benefit? Stair climbing is excellent for building lower body strength and getting your heart rate up, even in short bursts.
Pro tip: Set a reminder to use the stairs whenever possible, and soon it’ll become a healthy habit.
Move every hour
Sitting for long periods can take a toll on both your body and your focus. A simple strategy is to set an hourly reminder to get up and move. A short walk around the office floor, a stroll to the water cooler, or a quick trip to check the mail can add up by the end of the day. These mini-breaks are great for your circulation and help prevent that mid-afternoon slump.
Pro tip: Try the “Pomodoro” technique – work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute walking break to refresh and reset.
Walk during calls
If your work involves conference calls, remote meetings, or time spent reviewing documents, this is a prime opportunity to get some extra steps in. Instead of staying seated, put on a headset and pace around your office, conference room, or even head outside if possible. Walking while talking is a great multitasking trick for boosting productivity while also adding to your step count.
Pro tip: Keep a comfortable pair of shoes at your desk, so you’re always ready to take advantage of those moments.
Extend your commute
If you take public transport, get off a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way – only if it’s safe to do so! For those who drive, consider parking a bit farther from the office entrance. Extending your walk to or from work can give you extra steps without feeling like a workout, and it’s an easy way to start or end the day with movement.
Pro tip: Use these extra few minutes to practice mindfulness, enjoy a podcast, or simply breathe deeply and clear your mind before diving into work or heading home.
For the work-from-home ladies
You might need a break from your home office too. Here are a few ways to reach your step goals while working from home
- A treadmill or walking pad – You can walk and work at the same time
- Walking during your lunch break
- Wake up earlier and get the legs moving
Happy stepping!
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Featured Image: Dupephotos
