Top: Zara (similar here and here); Pants: Aritzia (similar here and here); Boots: Revolve (similar here and here)
Hands up if you’re tired of winter. Honestly, I wish I had three hands just to make a point here. One of the things that drives me crazy in the winter is not being able to walk outside without feeling like my face is being hit by a thousand daggers. It’s like microdermabrasion without the subsequent post-facial glow.
Point is, it’s super frustrating to not be able to walk outside, especially if you track your steps. So last year, I started working with my trainer, Nikita. One of the things he has me do every day is walk minimum 8000 steps. This is all fine and good in the summer. But what about when fuckboy Toronto weather decides to hit you with a -30 degree celsius curveball?
Well, the answer is obvious: you hit the treadmill because you don’t have a damn choice. Let’s be real though, the treadmill is so boring. And for the longest time, I couldn’t commit to it because I felt like it was a waste of time. Until I decided to kill two birds with one stone: answer emails while walking on the treadmill. Honestly, it’s the best thing you can do for yourself because instead of sitting at your desk, you’re actually doing your body a favour.
Here’s what I do. I have the speed pretty low, like between a 2.8-3.2 mph speed, so I don’t need to think about walking while being on my phone. Then I increase the incline to anywhere between a 2-4, so I’m simultaneously working my ass and glutes (without it being too strenuous). I spend like 30-45 minutes on the treadmill, and I’m usually at 4000-4500 steps which is perfect because the rest I end up walking outside anyway.
If you’re having trouble creating this habit, I have a trick for you. Schedule it in. If you schedule something in, you’re more likely to stick to it. Literally put it in your calendar like you would a meeting. I do it first thing in the morning since that’s when I answer emails.
Do you track your steps? Do you use any tricks to get them in?
Photography by Bekky Lonsdale
PS – check out the one productivity hack which will change your life and 7 ways I stay creative.
Loll good idea to get on the tredmill! I usually watch netflix and knock out an episode or two ( wayy less productive than what you do but it gets the steps in lol) p.s love your outfit n the photos 😍
haha the treadmill is SO boring! I’ve been doing a run for 30 or 40 mins every second day and my god, I was getting so bored! Lately, I’ve been plugging my phone in and watching a longer YouTube video or two while I run or listening to podcasts. It helps keep my mind off of how bored I am! Then I go for an hour or an hour and a half walk in the early evening around our area and listen to podcasts like yours. It makes the walk more interesting and I can get my 10k+ steps in. Otherwise, I struggle to get many in, given I live and work in a small apartment. The only other way I get the steps in is offering to walk friend’s dogs around for them if they are busy. It’s a lot more fun that way! Friends and I are all realising we are all doing walks around but at different times, so we were actually talking about making a time each week to have a little walk date. Haha like an actual walking group! Since we all work for ourselves, our lifestyle is flexible, so it makes sense to do!
Good luck with your step count!
xx Jenelle | http://www.inspiringwit.com