The goal of the 10,000 Steps program is to help you make movement a part of your everyday life. If you are already regularly active, focus on maintaining your existing habit. If you are not sufficiently activity, now is the time to take the first step to better health and wellbeing by increasing your activity. Here are some tips to get started.

First Steps

First, set small achievable goals. Set managable goals that will make you feel better physically and mentally. Make your goal specific and measurable, for example a 10 minute walk every day, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, going for a swim once a week or setting an alarm and getting up from your desk every hour.

Second, increase your activity. Whether you are an elite athlete, or someone who does little physical activity, the principles are the same. You must progressively increase your daily activity levels. Start tracking your steps and make small increases in your normal routine and gradually increase these over time. Your body will respond, no matter you age or fitness and you will feel better, stronger and able to take on more activity.

Third, set a specific time each day to be active. You are trying to establish a new habit, so start off by establishing a routine for yourself. Set a time to be physically active by writing it in your diary, putting on an alarm, sharing your plan with friends and family. Do whatever you need to make sure you stick to it. You don’t need a lot of time, but it does have to be come a priority.

Do activities you like, with people you like! Your body is meant to move, and it has a great ability to do so in many different ways. Find an activity which you enjoy and ask your family and friends to join you, you can increase your physical activity and enjoy it at the same time!

Talking with your GP or allied health professional

When looking to increase your physical activity, it's important to talk with your GP or allied health professionals. They are able to provide you with the support and guidance on setting goals and taking the first steps that are personalised for you.

If you are a health professional yourself, encourage your clients to sign up to 10,000 Steps - we even have the perfect one-pager that you can print off and send them home with!

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Sign up to 10,000 Steps.