The weather is slowly improving and it’s light out earlier and later, which means it’s outdoor walking season. See ya treadmill! We both absolutely love walking and all the health benefits it brings. Walking is one of the best low-impact ways to increase metabolism by burning extra calories and can alter body composition. Walking also helps preserve muscle mass and keep bones strong as we age. The benefits on both mental and physical health are abundant, but like anything you may find yourself in a rut when it comes to your walking routine.
Here are 5 ways to change it up!
- Add a weighted vest or hills/incline
I wrote a blog post on the benefits of adding a weighted vest to your workouts. This is a great way to elevate your walking routine. If a weighted vest seems too intimidating, you can try adding weights to your ankle or wrists (like I did in the picture above).
Try adding in some hills or stairs to your walking routine to get your heart rate up even more. You can also try changing your pace…for example switch between a power walk and a more comfortable pace for intervals. - walk and talk
I love to multi task, so if I have a friend I need to catch up with I will try and schedule a time to catch up on the phone when I can walk and talk to them. Bonus points if I live close to my friend and we can catch up in person and go for a walk together. Once the weather turns, I’m always asking my friends to meet for a walk even if it’s with the kiddos in strollers/scooters. And the dogs of course :). Make it fun! - have a destination you look forward to
Nothing motivates me more than knowing I’m walking towards a coffee shop. If I need to switch it up I will often pick a route that has a coffee shop on the way so I can stop and grab something for my walk back. This also motivates my kids if they are with me 😉 - switch up your route
It can get boring to walk the same loop over and over. While it’s convenient to step outside your front door and walk your route, sometimes it’s nice to switch it up. If I have the time I will pack up and drive towards the water or a specific trail to get in some different scenery or terrain. - have something you’re looking forward to listen to
If I have a great audiobook or podcast episode to listen to I truly can’t wait to put on my headphones and get outside. I’m sharing my favorite audiobook and podcasts below. If you’re not an audiobook or podcast fan, Peloton offers outdoor classes. They offer a variety of class lengths and instructors so you can take your walk or hike outdoors.
15 Recent Audiobooks I Enjoyed
Broken Country
The One with the Kiss Cam
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Perfect Fit
PS: I Hate You
Summer Fridays
Pictures of You
The Ex Vows
The Sicilian Inheritance
The Bodyguard
The Wedding People
The Paradise Problem
The Women
My Oxford Year
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Top 5 Favorite Podcasts Right Now
Well. with Arielle Lorre
The Nutrition Science Podcast with Adrian Chavez
The Drive with Peter Attia
The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show
The Dr. Shannon Show with Dr. Shannon Ritchey
xx, A
