Sometimes, the hardest part about going to class is getting up and walking there. A trek to the Instructional Center (IC) before an 8 am might make you consider sleeping in or taking a bus. While taking a bus might be tempting, it prevents you from getting your daily dose of 10,000 steps. Getting those 10,000 steps is an important part of staying healthy. Walking has many health benefits ranging from preventing weight gain to increasing confidence. So next time you struggle with reaching your 10,000 step goal, implement some of these tips into your everyday life.

Don’t take the elevator

Walking up a few flights of stairs will add more steps to your walk to class. Taking the elevator may be tempting, but the stairs will get you closer to your step goal and help you feel fit before your class.

Make a competition with your friends

Fitness watches allow you to compete with your friends to see who can get the most steps in a    day, a week or even a weekend. Some friendly competition never hurt anyone!

Say no to rides

It might be tempting to Lime or Bird to class, especially during the cold months or before an 8 am, but you are missing out on valuable steps by choosing an electric scooter. When possible, avoid taking a bus. Walking to class will help you get those steps in and who knows, you might even get there faster!

Create a walking playlist

Make a playlist of songs to get you pumped. This will put a pep in your step and make walking a little more fun. Share your playlist with friends and get them walking too!

Change up your homework location

Get out and about on campus. Make the walk to the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons (CULC) or the Biotech quad. Changing your study space will not only help you reach your daily step goal, but it is also proven to help students focus.

For more information on staying healthy, visit  Health Initiatives or the  Campus Recreation Complex website.