How are you doing on your New Year’s Resolutions? They are not always so easy to keep, but we at Texas Foot Works want to encourage you to keep going!

If your resolution(s) had something to do with getting in shape or engaging in a healthy, active lifestyle, we have some tips for you to help increase your step count! The weather has been fluctuating, but try to keep consistent with your activity while taking the proper precautions to keep you safe and warm in the winter weather (or cool during warmer days).

• Got a pedometer, activity tracker, or smartphone with activity tracking capabilities? Put them to use! You may be surprised at just how sedentary our lifestyles can be, especially if you work in an office in front of a computer all day.
• Set reasonable step/activity goals. Start slow but increase your step goals as you get better at it.
• Put things on the far end of the room or space. Be less efficient. What do we mean? Put your alarm clock on the other side of the room. Leave the water pitcher in the kitchen so that you have to get up to refill your glass each time. Set the printer far away in the office, rather than right next to your desk. Park at the far end of the parking lot (plus, you’ll probably find a parking space faster this way).
• Exercise in place. Do this while working, watching TV, or on the phone. Stretch, walk in place, do squats, or just do sets of tightening your abs instead of simply sitting. You could try to get a standing desk, stability ball chair, or even a pedal exerciser to put under your desk.
• Find opportunities to walk, instead of having machines do the work for you. For example, take stairs instead of elevators or escalators.
• Take a walking lunch. Whether you work from home or in an office downtown, walk to get your lunch. You can also start or join a walking group and then eat at your desk afterwards.
• Take the stairs instead of using an elevator or escalator.

Do you have pain while walking or staying active? Don’t let it get you down. Instead, make an appointment today to see our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices.