Ways to Get More Walking in Each Day

Walking is one of the best ways to get fit and to keep your heart healthy. Some people make excuses that they have no time to take walks, when in reality it is simple to fit some extra steps into each day. You do not have to walk a mile or go on a hike to add some more walking into your daily routine, although those are good things to do. Here are five ways everyone can add a few more steps into their lives. Adding more walking into your life will help add more years onto it also!

If you live near work (or within walking distance) or by the store you like to shop at, walk there instead of wasting gas. You will be saving money, getting exercise and helping to save the planet too. If you have to drive because it is some distance away then be sure to pick a parking spot as far away from the door as you can. Even just walking the span of the parking lot will get you on the right track to walking away some pounds. Also, take the stairs, not the elevator. If you live in the big city and your office is on the 27^th floor I would advise taking the stairs for the first couple flights, then hop on the elevator for the rest!

Take the dog for a walk, or take a walk with your kids. Pets and children benefit from fitness too, so when not spend some meaningful time with them and help each other get fit. If you do not have a dog, or a child, try to find a neighbor or a friend that would like to take walks and go with them. If all else fails, grab the MP3 player and get moving.

Get your significant other into the mood and go out for a romantic stroll. If you live by a beach then you have the perfect getaway for some alone time and some great fitness time. Walking in the sand helps our bodies work even harder, just like walking on any uneven surface. It confuses the muscles and makes them go into overtime, which helps us burn even more calories. If there's no beach near by try walking through the woods and listening to nature, or take a night time stroll through the city to look at all the beautiful lights of the buildings!

Going hiking is another fun way to walk. You get to experience nature and enjoy the sounds of the outdoors. If you like to birdwatch or take pictures this is the perfect time to mix pleasure and fun with your fitness. You can even go in search of Morel mushrooms and get some walking in while you are at it too.

Last, but not least, if you just do not walk because you can not stand to be outdoors you should buy yourself a treadmill. There really is no excuse to not walk, unless of course you are truly unable to walk. If you have two legs, and you are able to stand on them and you are able to walk, then do it and get fit. Walking is one of the most important parts of any fitness routine.

The best thing you can do for your health is to stop making excuses. Thinking and wishing never got anyone anywhere. If you want to succeed you have to do it. Just get up and get walking. You will start having more energy, your waistline will shrink and you will live longer!

Source:
Marcus, B. & L. Forsyth (2009). Motivating people To Be Physically Active. Physical Activity Intervention Series. Human Kinetics. Champaign, Il.