You want to walk, but how do you get yourself out the door or onto the treadmill? That’s the toughest challenge many people face. You can learn ways to motivate yourself to get walking. Walking will transform your body and mind!
Start slow
If have not been walking for a while, start at a pace that if comfortable for you. Up to 10 minutes a day 3-4 times a week is good start! Then gradually pick up speed until you are walking briskly – generally 3 to 4 miles an hour. Each week add about two minutes to your walking time.
Register for a walking event
Give yourself a goal and a deadline. Register for a walking event that will be a real challenge for you. You will have no choice but to train consistently to be ready for the event.
Follow a shape-up walking and workout schedule
To start seeing results from your fitness efforts. Having a structure and varying your workouts will keep you on track. When you begin to feel the difference in your stamina, muscle, and vigor, you will want to keep going.
Wear a pedometer or fitness band
This can help motivate you to increase your activity. Set your step goal at 6,000 to 10,000 per day and find ways to add steps to your day.
Make a walking buddy
Walking friend can make a difference and get you out on a walk despite the weather or other excuses to skip your workout.
Track your progress
Track your walking minutes, steps, or mileage in a journal, whether on paper, an app or your computer. Total your progress each week. Set a goal and you will find yourself out walking just to make those numbers add up.
Invest in a good pair of walking shoes
Select the right pair for your specific food type. Check out a list of the best walking shoes online.
Be prepared for the weather
Invest in a few key pieces that can make you much more comfortable. Look for tops and bottoms. Hate to walk in the cold? Buy the right layered clothing and you will have to take it for a walk. Hate the rain? A waterproof jacket or umbrella.
Choose the right time
Many people find that if they commit to early morning walks, fewer distractions pop up in the afternoon or evening. But if you hate mornings and feel most energetic later in the day, then that should be your walking time. Choose what works best for you.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that those who adhered to a walking program showed significant improvements in blood pressure, slowing of resting heart rate, reduction of body fat and body weight, reduced cholesterol, relieves anxiety and depression with better quality of life and increased measures of endurance. Walking has also shown to improve memory and prevent the deterioration of brain tissue as we age. Ready to give it a try?