Walking is the easiest and cheapest way to exercise. And that it’s good for us, they know as far back as Japan.
The Japanese researcher Dr. Hatano showed that 10,000 steps spread over an entire day fundamentally improves health.
Many people in the Netherlands are adopting this trend. But how do you get to 10,000 steps a day?
We give you a few handy tips in this article. Let’s go!
How many kilometers is 10,000 steps?
10,000 steps per day is equivalent to walking 7 to 8 kilometers per day. Are you walking 5 kilometers per hour?
Then you’ll spend about 1.5 hours at a stretch to reach the 10,000 steps.
And that means keep on walking. But of course, you don’t have to take those steps one after the other, just make meters during the day. You can do that easily!
For example, you can park the car a little further away when you arrive at work, take the stairs instead of the elevator or sit further away from the coffee machine.
But also take a short walk during your break or take a stroll before work. Every little bit helps.
3 tips for getting to your 10,000 steps a day
The above tips will help you take more steps throughout the day. Still, if you want to reach the 10,000 steps, you will also need to walk more.
So schedule an hour to take a walk. With these three tips, it’s a breeze.
- Drive to a nice area
We understand very well that you are completely done with that one round which you always make in your own hometown.
But did you know that the Netherlands has many beautiful running routes?
Whether you go walking in another city, a beautiful nature reserve such as the Veluwe or go for a walk on the beach, by driving to a nice area you will always walk a different route.
Because you will be busy with the new surroundings, such as new houses, a beautiful area with perhaps animals or the sea, you will have enough distraction and you will make 10,000 steps in no time.
- Go with a walking group
Are there more friends or family members around you who also have a goal of 10,000 steps a day? Then create an app group where you can ask if anyone feels like walking with you.
By walking and chatting at the same time, you will forget the time.
In addition, you can see your friends and family immediately and walking is a lot cozier with several people than alone. So there are only plus points!
Are you going with a group to a nice area to walk? Then you can always rent a passenger bus.
At Diks you can rent a van for 8 or 9 persons (mercedes v klasse huren / mercedes vito huren).
This way you and your group of friends can go for a nice walk in the Veluwe or on one of the Wadden Islands. Tip: Make a weekend of it!
- Listen to a podcast
Listening to a good podcast while hiking will also help you get to those 10,000 steps. 5 kilometers equals 1 hour of walking.
And let that be about the time span of 1 podcast episode. Alternate between funny and informative podcasts during your hike and learn something too.
We hope these tips help you reach the 10,000 steps a day mark.
Is 10,000 really too much right now? Then build it up and start with 8,000 steps a day. That way the step is less big ;).