Tips for Starting a Walking Workout

I’ve been in a sad rut of inactivity for a few weeks now. It starts with a change in life schedule. Then throw in a side dose of no motivation. And before you know it, the fitness-free weeks start to fly by. This is no bueno, folks, and I’ve definitely felt the adverse health affects. That’s the big reason why I looked into starting a walking workout.

This will be my baseline, because it’s honestly the easiest thing to slip into my day, every day. I’d love to then add additional workouts back into my routine. But for now, walking can be done virtually anywhere… on my break at work… while waiting to pick up my kids… in the evening when the puppy is wild. I’m trying to remind myself that carving out a daily half hour for my health is a good investment.

Did you know that even just starting a walking workout is incredibly beneficial to your health?

MANY Health Benefits of a Walking Workout!

Walking at a moderate intensity increases your aerobic fitness. It even improves your endurance, meaning increased ability to carry out activities for longer with less fatigue.

Personally, I’ve started to experience GI problems in the past few months. I’ve done everything from going gluten free, to having my gall bladder tested. My most recent conclusion is that my GI issues are likely due to a combination of aging (oh joy) and lack of exercise. I found a helpful article that suggested even walking 20 minutes per day can improve your “gut health”, especially as you get older. Sounds great to me!

Walking also leads to a remarkable reduction in the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, arthritis, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.  That’s a pretty big pay back.

Tips for Starting a Walking Workout

#1 ~ Try to Walk at Moderate Intensity.

Doesn’t have to be high intensity, but you will reap the most benefit if you push yourself to at least a moderate intensity level.

#2 ~ Keep Health Benefits in Mind, not just Weight Loss

Walking obviously doesn’t burn calories as rapidly as running, or other more intense workouts.  But adding a regular walking workout to your life is ideal, because it can be a long-term change you are more readily able to sustain.  In time, it should definitely result to weight loss.  (Unless you correspondingly increase  your donut intake.  I’m talking to ME).

But perhaps even more important and motivating than weight loss, is to focus on all those fabulous health benefits I mentioned above.  This is kindof a big deal.

#3 ~ Invest in Good Shoes or Great Insoles

It’s hard to beat athletic shoes for a walking workout, but anything that’s comfortable will work. When I trained for a runDisney Princess Half Marathon, I got hooked on Hoka One One’s. They are incredibly comfortable, and I’d still recommend them.

Another comfy option is to try insoles, which can be used in other shoes or boots, too. My go-to insole brand that holds up over time and has helped me eliminate back pain is Superfeet.  They have a new hiking stabilizer insole I’ve been testing out that’s my new favorite!

#4 ~ Bring Music… and Bose SoundSport Free Earbuds!

Make a playlist that distracts you, or has a good beat to keep pace with. I had Amazon Prime for 3 years before I realized I could stream music from them for FREE. And once I tried these Bose SoundSport Free earbuds from Verizon, it was hard to turn back to regular earbuds.  They deliver the amazing, crisp sound that Bose is known for.  Plus you can adjust the song volume, change tracks, or even access Siri or Google® Assistant™ using the built in dual–microphone… all from your earbuds.

Earbuds don’t always stay in my ears, but Verizon’s Bose SoundSport Free have a unique design that results in a super secure fit. Plus, they come with 3 sizes of ear buds to fit-to-size, and their own protective re-charging case, which is brilliant.

Get a pair for your new walking workout to help keep you motivated.  They’d also make an excellent gift.

#5 ~ Create a Plan, Set up Reminders

Your walking workout should take your current activity level into consideration. You can make swift progress, increasing time and distance.

One tip that has been the most helpful thing for me is that I set up a daily reminder on my calendar.  It nudges me when it’s time, and I try to make sure I stick to it.  Somehow being on my calendar is working much better than just “trying to make sure I walk some time today”.

#6 ~ Recruit a Walking Buddy (or High Energy Pup!)

 

Do you have a friend who can make a join your walking workout with you? Or perhaps you have a pooch at home who would love to join you. That’s always an added incentive around our house, and it’s great for your dog to get extra exercise. I suspect our clever, high energy Australian Shepherd puppy Ella is going to need lots of walks, in order to stay out of trouble.

Investing in what you need to start a new walking routine, such as a pair or shoes or headphones – or even just time in day – can raise your level of commitment.

I’m hopeful I’ll be sticking to mine, and that it will start to alleviate my GI problems.  Best wishes on starting your new walking workouts!

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This article was sponsored by Verizon.  All opinions are my own.