Walking like any other activity or sport needs us to have some kind of push to make us do it, because without a little walking motivation we would probably never venture past the front door.
We all know that it is much easier to sit at home and watch TV than to get off our butts and go for a walk.
We are all aware of the dangers that can happen if we don’t exercise, so why don’t we walk enough? Laziness, busy lives, technology, these are all things that stop us even though we know the amazing health benefits you get from just a simple walk.
Here are some tips to help get your butt into gear and get you on the move:
Get Yourself Motivated
Grab yourself a picture of someone you want to look like that has that amazing body you want (this may even be an old picture of you) and keep it on you every day.
If you are feeling lazy and can’t be bothered to go for a walk, have a look at that picture and tell yourself that is how you want to look. You will then feel guilty for not doing any exercise and motivate you to get out and go for that walk.
Make a Record
Keeping a log is the best way to know if you are walking enough. Keep a track of how much time you are spending each day, week and month and this will push you to increase your timings as well.
It’s amazing how good you feel when you physically see on paper how much exercise you have done!
Dump the Car
We are all suckers for jumping in the car to pop to the shop that is a 10 minute walk away. Not only will you become healthier for walking, you will get the benefits of fresh air in your lungs and Vitamin D benefits from the sunshine.
Join a Club
If you are surrounded by people that are trying to achieve the same goals as you it becomes much easier to stay motivated.
By joining a walking club or hiking club you will not only meet new friends, but remain focused on your goal and it will make things a lot easier.
Trash the TV
Far too many of us spend too much time in front of the TV watching rubbish.
If you cancel your cable subscription or pull the plug on your television set you will realise that it is not actually that bad! You could be out enjoying a healthy lifestyle in the fresh air rather than sat in a dark stuffy room in front of a TV screen.
Buy a Pedometer or Fitness Tracker
These are great because you can monitor exactly how many steps you are taking. You don’t need to do a thing apart from your normal walking routine and they will automatically start working as soon as they detect your movement.
If you purchase one now, you can monitor and record how many steps you are taking on a daily basis and set yourself targets to increase to.
If you needed a bit of walking motivation, then hopefully one or two of these points will help you to get up and get out.
After a while it should all become a habit and you will need to motivate yourself less and less, then you will find yourself just jumping up and going.