Strategies to get more steps in your day

Here is a list of ways to get active and increase your daily steps. If you have any more ideas you'd like to share with us, let us know through the contact us form.

• Get off bus/tram/train a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way. You'll avoid the crush and crowds at the final destination.
• Park further away from the shopping centre, workplace, school (you'll probably save on parking fees as well)
• If the walk to work is a bit long, try walking just once a week or fortnight to start with and build up your fitness. The more you do it, it will get easier and seem shorter.
• Try walking just one way - eg. walk to the shops, get a bus home.
• Walk the kids/grand kids to school.
• Look at a TravelSmart map to plan your walking route.
• Try to alternate the route to take to experience different scenery and discover places of interest in your neighbourhood.
• Walk to a local restaurant or pub, you won't have to worry about driving home
• Use the toilets further away from your workstation or on another level
• Walk to a meeting or to do a work-related errand
• Get a nice jeep/trolley and walk to the shops instead of driving
• Walk the dog
• Catch public transport - walk to and from the tram stop/station
• If the tram/bus is not due for a while, walk down to the next tram/bus stop - the wait will seem shorter
• Take a walk before work to get your mind and body 'into gear'
• Take a walk after work to relax and wind-down
• Use the stairs/ramp instead of the elevator/escalator
• Walk up/down the escalator/travelator instead of standing still
• Treat yourself to some comfortable, well-fitting walking shoes
• Get a job delivering newspapers etc., or volunteer to door knock for a charity/group
• Walk at lunchtime, try lunch spots further away from the office.
• Go for a walk on the weekend
• Join a walking group
• Find a friend, work colleague, neighbour, or family member to be your walking partner.
• Commit to walking somewhere and write it in your diary.
• Reward yourself, have a coffee with a friend or walk for an ice-cream on a warm summer evening.
• Visit the great variety of markets on over the weekend in and around Melbourne .
• Reconnect with nature in one of Victoria's many beautiful parks and reserves.
• Get stuck into the garden!
• Take the kids/grand kids to the local park and play with them.
• Play frisbee with friends or family