Doing the following is just as effective as walking 10,000 steps.

However, there are ways to keep yourself entertained while providing similar benefits to walking 10,000 steps.

Fitness experts say there are a number of fun activities that are great alternatives to walking 10,000 steps a day, according to health news site Best Life.

1. Dancing

If you enjoy dancing, this is a great alternative to hiking.

Dancing is not only fun, it also burns a lot of calories. It improves balance, agility and cardiovascular health, explains Andrew White, personal trainer and co-founder of Garage Gym Pro Fitness Center (USA).

2. Racket Sports

Caroline Grainger, a personal trainer at Fitness Trainer Gym (USA), said racket sports, such as tennis and badminton, are active ways to achieve the equivalent of 10,000 steps a day.

A 2020 study found that playing singles tennis for 1 hour can help you run 10,680 steps.

3. Cycling

Next, expert White recommends cycling.

Cycling is a great way to build leg strength, improve joint mobility, and boost cardiovascular health, says White. An hour of moderate cycling can yield the same benefits as 10,000 steps.

4. Play with your children or grandchildren

Playing with your kids or grandkids can also help you reach 10,000 steps a day if you keep moving.

Running after your child, picking them up, playing with a ball… all great. Move for at least an hour at a time for best results.

5. Squats or push-ups

If you're short on time, White recommends trying squats or push-ups.

Squats and push-ups are effective at burning calories quickly, improving endurance, and boosting metabolism, explains White. A 20-minute session can be as effective as a long walk, according to Best Life.

White recommends working for 30 seconds, resting for 30 seconds, and then repeating.

6. Swimming

Another full-body workout that improves muscle strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health is swimming, says White. It’s also great for people with joint problems.

7. Jump rope

Another highly effective form of exercise is jumping rope. White says it's a great calorie burner — even better than walking.

Jumping rope helps improve cardiovascular health, coordination, and agility. About 10 minutes of jumping rope can burn the same calories as 30 minutes of brisk walking, according to Best Life.