Start Walking to Establish a Fitness Habit

Walking is a simple yet effective way to establish a fitness habit. Why walking and not running or biking or some other movement? Unless you have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from walking, walking every day is a great foundation to get your body moving. If starting or re-starting a weight loss program, what easier way to begin than with a movement you do every day – walking. 

According to the American Heart Association, walking reduces your risks of heart disease and serves as a great way to get active and stay active. There are also a number of long-term benefits that help you in create an overall healthy lifestyle.

Harvard Health asked their experts on staff to rank the best workouts. No surprise to me that walking ranked number one. Walking as little as 10-15 minutes a day can boost your immune system and lessen joint pain. You can build to walking 30-60 minutes as you grow more comfortable walking.

Here are a few simple strategies that may help you start walking today:

• Listen to a playlist of your favorite songs as you walk. Walk until your playlist is finished. You’ll find walking much easier when you add music to the mix.

• Choose a scenic walking path that you can enjoy while you’re walking. Your surroundings will make walking more pleasing, interesting and fun.

• Find a buddy to walk with you. The company and the conversation will make walking engaging and fun.

When I begin working with clients, our first order of business is to create a fitness habit by walking. Walking is a small change that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Small changes can pave the way for big results over time and that’s what you want. In my next post, I’ll tell you whether step trackers will help you achieve your desired weight loss goals.

I can help you get clear on how to use the walking you are already doing, to build a fitness habit. Schedule a complimentary consultation to start building a healthy lifestyle one step at a time.