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Keeping Walking Fun

Keeping Walking Fun
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walking shoes and water bottle

Walking is a fun, inexpensive way to include valuable physical activity in your day. It can be done anywhere, at any time. If you don't shake it up a bit, walking may get monotonous. Here are a few ways to break up that routine:

  • Walk with a friend if you usually walk alone. Or take your family. It may not be as fast, but others point out things you may not see, and make the time fly!
  • Take a different route. See something new. Try watching a movie if you are walking on the treadmill. It will encourage you to walk longer.
  • Use a pedometer or fitness tracker. Wearing one all day will be a gentle reminder to keep moving.  Parking further away in the parking lot or taking the stairs will help.
  • Listen to upbeat tunes on a portable device. Make an energetic playlist to help keep the pace while you are walking.
  • Update your shoes and socks. Wearing ill-fitting or worn-out shoes and socks will make your feet sore, and can affect your legs, hips and back. According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, most walking/running shoes need to be replaced every 300-500 miles of use. For example, if you are walking 2 miles a day - your shoes will need to be replaced about every six months.
  • Keep a walking journal. It is motivating to see how far you have come--and helps you set goals.
  • Hydration is important. Carry a favorite water bottle when you walk in warm weather. It can double as a weight until empty.
  • Pamper yourself after walking by using a foot spa or using a great peppermint foot lotion to pamper those sore tootsies!
  • Try a heart rate monitor/watch. You will know when you are working to your health capacity.

Sources:

  1. How Do I Know When It Is Time To Replace My Athletic Shoes?, The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine 

  2. 5 Tips to Help you Stay Motivated to Exercise, National Institute on Aging

This article was written by Cindy Brison and has been peer-reviewed. It was updated in 2025.

Tags:

any season fitness walking

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