8 Ways to Encourage Daily Walking

Moving your body is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health, but you don’t have to visit the gym to reap its benefits. Walking, particularly walking at a moderate intensity, is associated with a variety of health benefits, including a reduced incidence of chronic illness, healthier body weights, higher energy levels, enhanced mood, and a stronger immune system, according to experts.

Despite the numerous advantages of walking, many individuals lack the motivation to get moving. The glad tidings? According to experts, there are several key methods to motivate yourself to walk daily. Discover the eight motivational strategies that will have you putting one foot in front of the other and reaping the rewards in no time.

A photographic safari

According to Mike Julom, ACE-CPT, certified personal trainer, CrossFit athlete, and proprietor of the website ThisIsWhyImFit.com, transforming your walk into a “photo safari” is an excellent way to get motivated to walk.

“In our digitally-driven age, many people already enjoy capturing unique or beautiful moments with their smartphones or cameras,” he tells Best Life. People are likely to become more observant and mindful of their surroundings if they commit to taking at least one interesting photograph during each stroll.

This practice fosters inventiveness and inquisitiveness while simultaneously promoting regular physical activity, he says. Julom adds that taking the time each day to seek out something worth photographing can also cultivate an appreciation for the beauty of everyday environments. According to the New York Times, these “awe walks” are associated with higher levels of satisfaction and physical health.

Become an expert on ecology

Compared to strolling in urban environments, walking in nature is known to offer additional advantages. In fact, according to Yale School of the Environment, “a growing body of research indicates that exposure to the natural world is beneficial for health, reducing stress and promoting healing.”

By investigating natural environments and learning about local flora and fauna, according to Julom, you can transform your daily walks into a learning journey. “This practice also encourages individuals to explore new routes and regions in order to diversify their discoveries, which adds variety to their walking routine and makes it more exciting,” Julom continues.

Not certain where to start? Consider downloading flora and bird identification applications to your phone, which can help you connect with your environment.

Choose your timing with caution

Selecting the optimal time of day for your daily walk is a further method for motivating yourself to maintain a regular walking routine.Cara Ponticello, a personal trainer at Fountaingate Gardens Independent Living Community, recommends going in the morning or after dinner, when the weather is typically milder and more peaceful.

It’s a good idea to choose a pleasurable time for walking, but it’s also a good idea to choose a time that allows you to develop a sustainable daily habit. For example, if your lunch break works well for you, schedule your walk during that time.

Invest in some new goods

According to experts, there is nothing wrong with a little self-bribery when it comes to exercise. Ponticello advises occasionally purchasing new walking attire that you will be eager to don for your daily excursion.

“A good pair of supportive shoes or some fun athletic wear will help keep you comfortable and going, as will a hands-free bag to hold your keys and phone,” says Ponticello.

Find a walking companion or group

Others will find strolling with a friend or walking group more motivating. “Walking with a friend not only makes it easier, but also holds you accountable to your routine,” says Ponticello.

Ronny Garcia, CPT, a personal trainer with Blink Fitness, concurs that strolling with friends can make a routine significantly more enjoyable. Imagine how much you can converse! And on days when you are contemplating skipping the walk, you have the added incentive of not letting your peers down, he tells Best Life.

Walk for charitable causes

It can be difficult to stay motivated when your walk only affects you.This is why Julom suggests participating in “charity walks,” which enable you to walk for the greater good. The trainer states that you will not necessarily need to participate in a significant event. “Some apps, such as Charity Miles, offer a service that converts your number of steps into a donation to a charity of your choosing,” he explains. This gives daily treks a noble purpose by tying physical activity to social contribution. Suddenly, walking provides more than just a personal health benefit.”

Set a measurable objective and monitor your progress

Paying attention to your step count is another method to instill purpose and motivation into your walk. “Establish a daily goal for the number of steps or distance you wish to walk,” advises Garcia.

While many people aspire to 10,000 steps per day — a number widely associated with significant health advantages — Garcia says it’s acceptable to start small. “Aim for one mile per day and then progressively increase the distance as your endurance and enjoyment for daily walking increases. “Like setting a goal, monitoring your progress can be motivating and rewarding,” he advises.

Listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks

If you intend to stroll alone, Garcia suggests finding a fun activity that you can become immersed in to pass the time more quickly. Podcasts, audiobooks, and music are all viable alternatives. “I am not much of a physical reader, but I have rediscovered the joy of reading by listening to books while I walk,” he says.

This motivational method may be more effective if you only listen to that book, podcast, or playlist while taking your daily walk. By combining your walk with an activity that can only be enjoyed while strolling, you will be more likely to hit the pavement.