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Add 2000 steps a day to your walking and improve your health. Walking is one exercise almost anyone can do, regardless of age. You don't have to walk fast, just as briskly as you can. You can easily add 500 steps by adding another quarter mile to your regular walk. Then follow the tips listed below to add the other 1500 steps.

*When shopping at a mall, park as far from the entrance as you can. For safety reasons, be sure the parking lot is well lit and very busy.

*Do this at work too. Always be sure it's safe and try to walk with a brisk step to make each one count.

*Think of all of the places you stop in a day. The post office, cleaners, deli, pet shop, drug store, florist, gift shops, restaurants and hair dressers are only a few. Park a little further from the entrance and walk.

*Don't call your neighbors; go to their house, even if it is for just a quick question. Tell them you are trying to add 2000 steps a day to your walking.

*If you have pets that must be "let out" each day, use a leash and walk them. Instead of watching them exercise, you'll be adding more steps.

*Keep off the grass! Never take short cuts. The good these extra steps do for your body far out weigh any minutes or seconds you may save.

*Dance while you are cooking dinner or doing the dishes. These count as steps also. The faster the better, to get your heart pumping.

*Play tag with your kids and have some fun as you add steps.

*In the grocery store, go down every aisle, even the ones filled with items you do not use, need or want.

*When you get the groceries home, don't try to carry them all in at once. Make several trips and carry smaller loads. This is better for your back too.

*Ignore escalators and elevators and climb the stairs. If you work in a top floor of a high-rise building, this may not be feasible. However, you can get off the elevator a few floors short of yours and walk the rest of the way.

*Resist the urge to ask others to hand you something or to see what the time is. Get up and go get it yourself.

*Don't hire someone to mow your lawn, do it yourself. Do it with a push mower.

*Same thing with other yard chores such as raking leaves, washing windows and cleaning gutters. Why pay someone to do what is good for you?

Try these ideas and then think of more to add 2000 steps a day to your walking. Really, think about how you are living your life. Maybe it's time to slow down and go for a walk.

Learn more about this author, Pamela Kay.
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