Healthy Living
6 Ideas for Getting Steps in When it's Hot Outside
Don't let the heat keep you from reaching your step goals!
When the weather is too hot to go outside for a walk during the summer months, there are still plenty of ways to get your steps in and stay active indoors. Here are some ideas:
Indoor walking
Walk around your house, apartment, or office building. Take laps around different rooms or hallways to get those extra steps in. You can even set a timer and walk for a few minutes every hour to keep yourself active throughout the day.
Mall or Store walking
Visit a nearby shopping mall or store to walk the corridors. Many malls offer designated walking programs for those looking to exercise indoors. Enjoy window shopping while you get your steps in.
Active chores
Get some steps in while you cross items off your to-do list. Vacuuming, mopping, or tidying up can contribute to your step count while also keeping your living space clean and organized—two birds, one stone.
Stair climbing
If you have access to a staircase, climbing stairs is a great exercise for heart health and can help you get a good sweat while increasing your step count.
Dance or aerobics
Put on your favorite music and dance around your living room. Dancing is a fantastic way to have fun, elevate your heart rate, and increase your steps. Alternatively, try online dance or aerobics videos to get in an indoor workout.
Walk in place
If space is limited, simply walk or march in place while watching TV, talking on the phone, or listening to music or podcasts. You can even use a step-tracking app or a pedometer to keep track.
Challenge yourself to increase your step count gradually by setting goals each day or week, and find activities that you enjoy to make indoor walking fun. Make getting more steps a part of a new routine – it’ll feel good, and pay off over time.
P.S. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drinking plenty of water becomes even more important when you’re exercising.
