Regular walking is an incredibly popular type of exercise – and it's easy to see why. Walking is straightforward and free (aside from a great pair of shoes), and could be done almost anywhere. But these are the very qualities that also can make it so tempting to depart. If you're in peril of losing your walking routine, try a number of of those strategies to maintain moving.
1. Have a backup plan. For example, when you sleep in and miss your morning walk, you commit to doing that walk at lunchtime as a substitute. Or, possibly you already know that dinner with friends will prevent you from taking a night walk, so as a substitute you're taking a 15-minute walk within the morning before meeting your pals. And keeping a pair of sneakers in your automobile gives you the choice to take a walk each time you have got a bit additional time.
2. Make a gesture. Many every day habits occur because something prompts you to do them, comparable to brushing your teeth within the morning and before bed. Try to mix your walks with often scheduled activities, comparable to 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 individuals who own dogs walk more. If you're ready for the responsibility, owning a dog could be the catalyst that turns you into an individual of habit. But even when 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 a neighborhood shelter in the event that they need a volunteer walker.
4. “Read” and walk. Audiobooks could make the time pass quickly when you walk. Make a pact with yourself that you would be able to only hearken to one audiobook during your walk, to remain motivated. If you're out for a walk, keep the amount low and use just one earbud so that you're alert to your surroundings in case of trouble.
5. Get a 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 also can alternate between fast and slow songs for a musical interval walk. Just remember to maintain the amount down and only use one earbud when 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 a number of tweaks, like going earlier or later. Or invite someone recent to affix you. Different personalities and topics of conversation will keep you engaged. And when you walk in the other way out of your usual path, you will notice things in a different way.
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