Make Walking a Way of Life

Source: AARP.org | June 5, 2007

You know that walking is good for your health. But you often find yourself too comfortable on the couch, too tired, or too busy to get a walk in before dark. How is it that some people have no trouble getting physical activity to be such a natural part of their day? What's their secret?

It's simple. There are people who have made walking fit with their personal interests, activities and responsibilities. They make it a part of every day living. In fact, often they don't even recognize that they're getting exercise and improving their health!

How? Dean Witherspoon of Health Enhancement Systems, a leader in health behavior change innovation, explains why.

"Because they've made walking both pleasurable and functional. Maybe they accomplish daily tasks and activities on foot. Or they enjoy great conversation with a friend, spouse, or grandchild during a walk with one another. Making walking part of your life is easier than you think," he says. "Some people find peace of mind while taking a hike; others may use the walking time to listen to an audio book. There are many ways to make walking enjoyable."

Are you convinced? See how simple it can be to make walking routine in your life:

Do you have a bank, post office, library, or stores under a mile from your home or work?
If so, leave the car behind! Walk to do an errand, grab a newspaper, or pick up a healthy lunch. And don't stop at the closest store. Choose one a little further down the street so your walk is a little longer.

Do you love to be outdoors?
Enjoy a walk around a park, pond, or new neighborhood. Look for walking or hiking trails nearby. Even cities often have walking paths by woods, streams, or rivers.

Dislike hot weather, traffic, or bad air quality?
Check what time your local indoor mall opens for mall walkers. Most malls let people walk before the shops even open. So you don't even have to deal with the shopping crowds!

Are you a people-person?
Grab a friend for a walk, join a walking club, or take part in a community walk event. You'll enjoy the company while getting a work-out.

Get bored easily? Need a challenge?
Try a walk up and down hills. Take different walks each day instead of always following the same route. Add some stairs into your walk, such as stairs in front of a building or museum. Or mix up your walk by adding some deep lunges and squats before crossing a street.

These are just a few tips to show you how easy it is to add walking into your day. Here's another idea: Talk, better yet, walk with someone you know who walks a lot. Find out what they do, and how they do it. And of course, don't forget to take advantage of all the AARP walking resources to help you become an avid walker. You can make walking an easy and enjoyable part of your life.