If your New Year’s resolutions tend to fall by the wayside around early February, you’re not alone. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t set a goal for 2019. Research shows that people who make New Year’s resolutions tend to be more successful at achieving lasting behavior change than people who don’t make resolutions.
The secret: Setting S.M.A.R.T.—specific, measureable, achievable, realistic, and time-phased—goals. One goal worth striving for? Making 2019 the year you walk 2,019 miles.
If that sounds daunting, consider this: there are about 2,000 to 2,500 steps in every mile, which means you’ll need to take approximately 5 million steps this year to hit your goal. Sure, that sounds like a lot — and it is! — but it breaks down to a totally doable 13,698 steps per day.
To help you meet your goal, we tapped local Fitbit Ambassadors for advice about the best ways to boost your step count. Here’s what they had to say.
Get competitive
Whether you prefer the Weekend Warrior race or the Workweek Hustle, joining a Fitbit challenge with your friends can motivate you to rack up the steps. Bonus: Everyone’s a winner.
–Jason Tran, Fitbit Local New York Ambassador
Rethink your coffee date
Instead of meeting your friend at a coffee shop, walk with them to the coffee shop—then, grab your java and keep walking outside. Not only will the coffee will keep you warm, but the fresh air will help clear your mind.
–Emma Elfving, Fitbit Local San Francisco Ambassador
Go exploring
Think beyond your go-to neighborhood route: Go for a walk with no end destination in mind; you’ll be surprised at how many steps you can rack up when you aren’t thinking about it.
–Kevin Ng, Fitbit Local Seattle Ambassador
Be a show off…
…in a good way, that is. Spring for a new pair of sneakers that you can’t wait to wear during a walk—and that you wouldn’t mind being spotted in. That extra motivation can be just what you need to take you from the couch to the pavement (or the treadmill, or the track…).
–Jason Tran, Fitbit Local New York Ambassador
Park it
During the weekend, swap your car for your running shoes, and walk to the grocery store, movie theater, or favorite restaurant. It’s good for your body and the environment.
– Blake Raymond, Fitbit Local Los Angeles Ambassador
Talk and walk
Take your phone calls standing up—pace around the living room, do a load of laundry, or take the dog out for a stroll. Anything is better than staying sedentary on the couch.
–Emma Elfing, Fitbit Local San Francisco Ambassador
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.
Maria Masters
Maria Masters is a writer and editor focusing on health, weight loss, and fitness content. She has held staff positions at Men’s Health and Family Circle, and her articles have appeared in Health, Women’s Health, EverydayHealth.com, MensJournal.com, and more. She holds a B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh.
