Getting Your Steps Up While Shopping
Last time I went to the 50 quid shop (aka Sainsbury’s…we call it that because you can’t go and spend less than £50!) I parked in the space next to the parent and toddler bay with Bobby.
I actually circled the car park twice to get the space, which on reflection is madness!
I didn’t get the extra door opening room at the sides of the car because I didn’t actually get a parent and toddler space (I don’t even need extra room…I drive a mini for goodness sake and no longer take the pushchair into the shop). Also by the time I’d circled round the car park for the second time like a shark, I could have parked in a space at the other end of the car park, already walked into the shop and have got more steps in!
This made me think…how many things are we doing in everyday life that are pointless, causing us more stress and making us move less…and that we could change?
Here’s a few…
#1. Park further away from the door of wherever you are going…supermarket, work, the gym. The example of the gym is actually bonkers…we are going somewhere to physically challenge ourselves but can’t be arsed to park 100 metres further away from the door!
#2. Instead of popping into the little shop or garage to pick up a few bits, go to the supermarket (it’s bigger and you have to do more steps to get your items as it’s more spread out) or go to your local high street and walk from the butcher to the fruit and veg shop etc.
#3. Take the stairs not the lift…heard it a million times, but it’s true 🙂
#4. Take a basket rather than one of those little trolleys (for a cheeky bit of strength training).
#5. Do what my mam does and walk down every isle in the supermarket, even if you don’t need something down there. This actually used to drive me mad as a kid but there’s a reason why my mam is 62 and freakin’ fabulously fit (success leaves clues).
I know we are all in a rush all of the time, but these things literally take a few minutes and will make a really positive impact on your daily movement and therefore overall health and fitness.
Next time you drive into a car park, remember this blog 😉
