Regular walking is an incredibly popular type of exercise – and it's easy to see why. Walking is straightforward and free (apart from a superb pair of shoes), and might be done almost anywhere. But these are the very qualities that may make it so tempting to depart. If you're at risk of losing your walking routine, try a number of of those strategies to maintain moving.
1. Have a backup plan. For example, should you sleep in and miss your morning walk, you commit to doing that walk at lunchtime as a substitute. Or, perhaps you already know that dinner with friends will prevent you from taking a night walk, so as a substitute you are taking a 15-minute walk within the morning before meeting your folks. And keeping a pair of sneakers in your automobile gives you the choice to take a walk every time you might have a little bit beyond regular time.
2. Make a gesture. Many every day habits occur because something prompts you to do them, reminiscent of brushing your teeth within the morning and before bed. Try to mix your walks with repeatedly scheduled activities, reminiscent of getting up within the morning or at lunchtime. Over time, you’ll associate walking with these activities, so they are going to remind you of walking.
3. Get a four-legged walking companion. Studies show that folks who own dogs walk more. If you're ready for the responsibility, owning a dog might be the catalyst that turns you into an individual of habit. But even should you can't commit to owning a dog, there are methods man's best friend can keep you energetic. Offer to walk your neighbor's dog, or ask an area shelter in the event that they need a volunteer walker.
4. “Read” and walk. Audiobooks could make the time pass quickly whilst you walk. Make a pact with yourself you can only hearken to one audiobook during your walk, to remain motivated. If you're out for a walk, keep the quantity low and use just one earbud so that you're alert to your surroundings in case of trouble.
5. Get a little bit rhythm. Music has been shown to motivate exercisers to go longer and harder. Remember the theme song from Rocky? or Chariots of Fire? Just about any music that inspires you may put energy in your step and keep you moving. Start with songs which have a slower beat to warm up, then select more energetic songs for the center of your walk, and finish with a slow, relaxing tune. You may alternate between fast and slow songs for a musical interval walk. Just remember to maintain the quantity down and only use one earbud should you're out and about.
6. Make a change. A brand new walking route, even when it's simply to the following neighborhood, may give your walking routine a lift. But if that's impossible, you may recreate a tried-and-true route with just a few tweaks, like going earlier or later. Or invite someone recent to hitch you. Different personalities and topics of conversation will keep you engaged. And should you walk in the other way out of your usual path, you will note things in a different way.
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