There are so many ways to increase your steps that the list is endless. However, there are a few things that you can do at work, home, with your family and in the community to increase your steps. The best thing is that no major skills are required, just put on your favorite pair of walking shoes.

At Work:
Stairs instead of the elevator
Walk at lunch
Take the long way to the restroom, water cooler or coffee machine
Plan a walking exercise challenge at work – get the boss involved in the rewards
Park your car as far away from your office as you can
Walk when on the phone and using a speaker or cordless phone
Invite a fitness instructor to come into your work for a lunch hour workout

At Home:
Take the family for a walk and explore your neighborhood
Walk a dog
Avoid using the remote control and get up and change the TV channel yourself
Walk your children to school
Make walking a challenge in your family and offer rewards
Get up and walk during TV commercials
When grocery shopping return the cart to the store and avoid leaving it in the lot
Plan active weekends
Make several trips up and down the stairs for laundry etc.
Get active in the community – take dance lessons or join a team

Interval Walk:
A great way to increase your steps and the intensity of your walk is to interval train. It involves incorporating light intensity walking with a more intense walk. You determine the intensity and how long you hold each interval. For example, try walking moderately for 5 minutes and then increase the intensity for 2 minutes. Return to moderate intensity again for 5 and repeat. Try it for 30 minutes. As you improve, try walking longer or even try running. You will burn more calories, make more steps and improve your cardiovascular health.

Remember, try to spice up your walking routine and avoid making it a routine. Also let your WalkingSpree Walking Buddies know what you are doing and blog your progress. Whatever you do have fun with it.