While a variety of exercises, both intense and low impact are great for your overall health, walking more is one of the absolute best things you can do to feel fitter, especially if you’re currently doing no exercise at all. Also, it’s easy and can be done almost anywhere!
However, some people believe that they don’t have time to walk more. We all lead busy lifestyles, but there are a number of ways you can incorporate walking into your healthy lifestyle.
Take a look at the following 9 ways to walk more:
- Start off small
Don’t go from sitting at your desk all day to telling all who will listen that you’re going to do 15,000 steps a day. Taking your time to make this a real habit is the important part, as you will be far more likely to stick with it and won’t feel like you’re torturing yourself. Aim for just 10 minutes a day if you’re starting from scratch. You can gradually increase this as you feel ready. Many people try to hit 10,000 steps a day as their ultimate goal, others will want to go farther. What you aim for will depend on your current lifestyle and fitness goals. Just don’t overexert yourself or you’ll struggle to keep it up in the long run!
- Walk short journeys
Don’t drive to the local shop, walk instead. Think of all of the short journeys that you have hopped in the car for rather than walked to complete. You will need to plan extra time, but it’s an easy way to get your chores done and incorporate more steps.
- Take the stairs
Don’t take the elevator if you can help it. Take the stairs instead. Do this at work, when shopping, and whenever the opportunity presents itself. It won’t seem like much at first, but it does make a huge difference in the long run. All of these little efforts add up to make big results.
- Park further away
Instead of trying to bag the most convenient parking spot when shopping or at work, try to park further away. There are a multitude of benefits to this. You’ll get more steps in, and your car will likely be much safer away from all of the other cars (and people pushing trolleys full of food).
- Stay comfortable
You’re not going to want to walk if you can’t get comfortable. Taking care of your feet and making sure you stay healthy in the long run is key here. Treat yourself to some new walking shoes, and some custom insoles if you want to ensure you’re even more comfortable. You don’t want shoes that are going to make your heels bleed or give you blisters. Try investing in some walking gear, too, such as durable leggings and breathable tops. Waterproof jackets and similar accessories can encourage you to get out even when the weather isn’t great.
- Explore new routes
Don’t take the same boring route each day. Explore new routes and see what you can find! See if you can find new, exciting routes in your area. Once you’ve done that, you could even see if there are some cool routes in nearby towns. You could even join a walking tour to explore. Keep things interesting and varied. You could even go to the beach and walk. There are no rules!
- Find a walking buddy
Walking alone can be a great way to enjoy some headspace and come up with solutions to problems you have been having. However, walking with a buddy can be a great motivator. See if you can get a friend to walk with you once a week and use it as a time to get fit and catch up.
- Use an app or a tracker
Using an app or a tracker can give you an idea of where you’re at currently, and help you to make sure you’re progressively improving. You don’t necessarily have to beat your steps every day, but you can assess things like heart rate, speed, incline, and other variants to see how well you’re doing.
- Walk a pet
You shouldn’t get a pet if your lifestyle won’t allow it, but maybe you could borrow a pet from a friend or family member? Walking a pet can bring so much joy and help you both to bond. It can even help out somebody you know who is in need of assistance.
Take your time and enjoy this journey, and don’t beat yourself up for not being able to walk as far as you would like right away. These things can take time!
This is very helpful, thank you. I definitely agree with starting small.
Good tips!