The Steps for Schools walking challenge takes place in February. Idaho legislators and constitutional officers are putting their best feet forward to earn funds for public schools while being physically active to support their own health.

February is a busy month for these elected officials. A typical day for an Idaho legislator includes committee meetings, constituent correspondence, discussing legislation, and evening receptions. These commitments quickly add up, making it potentially difficult for them to be active.

Steps for Schools provides the motivation – what is more meaningful than walking for the youth in our state – and we’re here to provide some tips for reaching those step goals.

Take the Stairs

The elevator may be the easier choice, but that’s not going to help your step count. Stairs are a great option. We’ve talked with some participants who continue to use the stairs after the challenge ends because it’s good for their health.

Park and Walk

If you can’t walk to the Capitol each morning, do yourself a favor and park a little farther away than normal. Those extra steps will add up over the course of the month. Take different walking routes when you enter the building. Also, take notice of the number of pedestrians and how infrastructure such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and bicycle lanes encourage physical activity instead of discouraging it.

Walking Meetings

Instead of a standard in-person conference room meeting, why not do a walking meeting? You’ll get steps, fresh air (if you walk outside), and it will feel good after being seated most of the day during sessions and committee meetings. Need a walking partner? Look at your colleagues, lobbyists, and others you regularly interact with.

Explore the Tunnels

If the weather isn’t cooperative (we’re due for some precipitation), take advantage of the underground tunnels under the Capitol that you can access.

Walk in Your Neighborhood

When you go home for the weekend, get out and walk your city. Snap a photo or two of something you’re proud of and share it on your social media channels or in the app that we monitor step counts with. Ask yourself – does my hometown encourage people to be physically active? Is it safe for kids to walk or ride to school or parks? If not, what can you do or who can you talk with about becoming a pedestrian-friendly city?

Stroll with Students

Each year, we offer a Stroll with Students to give fourth graders the opportunity to tour the Capitol and walk with elected officials. You’ll get 10,000 bonus steps if you participate, which can help offset the days where you weren’t as active as you’d hoped. This year’s Stroll will take place at noon on February 24 with students from Parma Elementary School.

We wish all 66 of the Steps for Schools participants the best of luck in reaching their step goal.