Indoor walking: 6 ways to complete 10,000 steps during scorching summer and lose weight | Health

If you don’t feel like exercising vigorously or going outdoors during the hot weather, you’re not alone. Prolonged exercise comes with the risk of dehydration and heatstroke. During the hot summer months, it’s important to hydrate with water and plenty of electrolytes before, during and after exercise. If you enjoy walking, taking 10,000 steps a day is a good way to stay fit during the summer. (Also read Vir’s “The Taste”: Will Weight Loss Pills Put an End to the Diet Business?)

Indoor walking can help you achieve your fitness goals within your home, workplace, or any other indoor environment. You can even do it while on vacation or visiting your local shopping mall. All you have to do is count your steps and get into the habit.

Walking 10,000 steps will not only help you reach your fitness goals, but it will also benefit your mental health. Depending on your weight, walking 10,000 steps a day can burn 250-600 calories. According to a Stanford University study, walking opens the mind and gets ideas flowing. Many studies also show that walking regularly can help reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Indoor walking: How to hit 10,000 steps in the heat

According to Sonia Bakshi, nutritionist and founder of DtF, here are six creative ways to hit 10,000 steps every day during the summer:

1. Zumba Class: Online aerobics or Zumba classes are a great way to get your heart rate up, increase your steps and even lose weight while having fun.

2. Walk around the house: Walk around your home, apartment or office building. Make it a habit to walk for 10 minutes at home or office after breakfast, lunch and dinner. This will not only help your digestion but also prevent any stomach related issues. Set a timer and walk for a few minutes every hour to stay active throughout the day.

3. Go shopping: Visit your local mall or store and walk the hallways — many malls offer walking programs for those who want to stay active indoors — and enjoy some window shopping while you get in some extra steps.

Four. housework: As you work through your to-do list, try to add in some extra steps. Vacuuming, mopping, and tidying will not only help you get more steps in, but they’ll also help keep your living space clean and organized, killing two birds with one stone.

5. Climbing stairs: If you have access to stairs, climbing them is a heart-healthy exercise that will help you work up a sweat while also getting more steps in.

6. Walking while watching TV: If space is limited, walk or march in place while watching TV, talking on the phone, or listening to music or a podcast. You can also use a step tracking app or pedometer to record your steps.

Set daily or weekly goals to challenge yourself to gradually increase your steps, and find indoor activities that make walking fun.