✩ Ways to Walk More ✩

Walking is something that I am hugely passionate about, and I’m always encouraging others to walk more. So I thought why not take some of my own skills and ideas and let you all know why I choose to walk so much, and ways that you can too!

I come from a family who loved the outdoors. I grew up in the middle of nowhere, walking, cycling, hiking and horse riding. Following the family dog off down the field for an adventure… We were always outside unless the weather was atrocious!

Even though I walked a lot as a child and grew up in the countryside, I have lived in a city for the past ten years, and it is a world away from my childhood. I wanted to maintain my fitness and my strength in my legs too. So I made the decisions such as walking to work, walking to the groceries shop for midweek essentials, and to still do a walk on a weekend when I had the option to stay at home.

I try to walk in nature on a weekend when I can find the time, do some of my hobbies like my nature photography, and take in the fresh air I miss in the week.

So here is my list of 16 ways that I use to walk more often now I live where I do, and some ways that you can take inspiration from and do the same. You can tailor this list to suit your needs and limitations.

✩ Walk to and or from Work.

✩ Walk to the groceries store and taxi back / or walk back but make sure you only buy what you can comfortably carry back.

✩ Choose a local destination that you’ve not visited before and walk to it – pop some tunes on if it’s a long walk but be safe!

✩ Volunteer at your local park/beach for a litter clean up.

✩ If you already take a bus then why not get off one stop before your usual one and walk that short distance. Over time you can increase it to two or even three stops – weather dependent of course.

✩ Join a local walking or hiking club, or if that’s not your thing then why not try Golf or Photography, there are other great ways to get out doing something you think is fun – make a list of your hobbies and expand walking into them.

✩ To get the kids involved – Eye Spy on a Walk, Orienteering or even a Treasure Hunt?

✩ Do you meet your friends often for a Coffee? If it’s a nice day why not get them as take out and you can go for a walk while you catch up.

✩ If you’re a Home bug – try plugging in your phone in another room, so you have to walk to it check any messages… all those steps count!

✩ Probably an obvious one, but if your commute has any lifts or escalators – some days why not take the stairs!

✩ If you already walk a fair bit then why not mix it up a bit by finding alternative routes to work or school. Google Maps is brilliant!

✩ Sign up for one of those local 5K or 10K walks – you can even get people to sponsor you for a good cause too.

✩ Plan to plant something in the Spring time, perhaps a fruit or a vegetable you all like and if you have kids then get them involved too. Learning and gardening win win!

✩ Volunteer to walk a friends dog when they next go away – great exercise and you could make it a fun game by seeing what other dog breeds you see on the way.

✩ Family Fun! Check out google maps for any local places that you and the family could visit like free parks / beaches / gardens… Take a picnic and make a day of it!

✩ And Finally – Go Out As A Family! Cycling! Bowling! Whatever floats your boat!

My Top Tips if you’re also a Competitive Adult.

I have a Fitbit that my husband bought me in 2016, and on the App you can set challenges between you and your friends. They are called things like Weekend Warrior or Daily Showdown, where you’re tasked with beating your Daily Steps Goal (set when you begin with Fitbit) and beating everyone else in the set time (if you can). It makes me walk further, it makes me go around the block again before entering my house – all for those extra few steps! Fitbit is a wonderful way to track your exercise and I love my Fitbit clip.

They soon add up into KM’s and you’ll be surprised. The healthy average is supposed to be 10K steps in 24 hours, so that is your starting point…Gather your friends together and start a walking, cycling, hiking club! You don’t need to be doing it every week, just make time once in a while to group up. Sign up for Charity Walks and Runs, and make your way up to more difficult events.

Other Things To Consider.

Don’t do anything that you’re not comfortable with doing.

Consider your health – Diabetes or Asthma might hold you back so make any relevant changes to ensure you can increase your walking safely.