Sneaky Ways to Get in Your Cold Weather Steps
Something I've been hearing a lot lately is how challenging it's been to get in walks/steps over the last week or two of colder weather for many.
Believe me, I get it! I’m spending this week in Texas taking care of my grandkids, with no treadmill, no walking pad, and not-so-great weather. So if steps feel harder right now, you’re not imagining it.
Here’s the reminder I want you to hear first:
You don’t need long walks or perfect step counts to keep making progress.
In winter, movement works best when it’s stacked, not forced. Instead of trying to glue yourself to the treadmill, here’s 10 sneaky, realistic ways to keep steps coming even when it’s cold outside:
1️⃣ Leave your shoes on
The moment the shoes come off, steps are far less likely to happen. Put them on first thing in the morning and keep them on for 20–30 minutes after getting home—you’ll naturally move more.
2️⃣ One-room-at-a-time rule (don’t be a “one-trip hero”)
Need something? Grab one item per trip instead of carrying everything at once. Bonus: put laundry away one piece at a time.
3️⃣ Stairs are your secret weapon
Five to ten trips up and down adds up fast- no long walk required.
4️⃣ Walk during phone calls
Work calls, friend chats, or catching up with family… pace while you talk.
5️⃣ Pace while food heats up
Microwave running, oven preheating, coffee brewing? Walk laps instead of standing still.
6️⃣ Park far on purpose
Cold or not, this one is free, automatic, and sneaky.
7️⃣ Play counts
Twenty minutes of play with kids, grandkids, or pets counts as movement— physically and socially a win-win.
8️⃣ After-meal movement
Five to ten minutes of walking after meals supports digestion and boosts steps.
9️⃣ Housework absolutely counts
Vacuuming, mopping, tidying, organizing— don’t discount everyday movement.
🔟 Scroll & stroll
Catch up on texts or social media while walking around the house. (I even have a favorite hallway for this 😉)
The big takeaway?
Steps don’t need to come from one long walk. They come from stacking small moments throughout your day.