How to Add Walking to Your Daily Routine

Want to enjoy the health benefits of walking every day? Check out these great tips!

It's no secret that movement is key to maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. In today's world, however, it can be difficult to find the time to be active every day. The easiest way to give your body the exercise it needs is to do something that you already do every day: walk! Brisk walking is a fantastic cardio exercise that will get the blood pumping and burn some calories, too! You can easily incorporate walking into your daily routine if you practice careful time management, pick a good workout location, put safety first, and ensure that you have the resources you need to stick to your goals!

Time Management

Whether you're a working person, a stay-at-home parent or grandparent, or simply busy with your hobbies or social activities, you may think that you simply don't have time to walk or exercise. This doesn't have to be the case! Think of all those little moments in the day that you're able to steal for yourself. Do you have healthy "me time" habits? If not, it's never too late to switch it up! Instead of stealing ten minutes to yourself to scarf down unhealthy snacks or catch up on gossip, why not utilize that time to take care of yourself? When you find that you have a break in your day, get outside and get moving! Any activity is better than none at all and you should plan to make use of what time you have to better your health by joining the leagues of people walking to lose weight and enjoy various health benefits!

Location

Location is key when it comes to walking or exercise of any kind. Pay close attention to the terrain in your selected location. Walking uphill or on uneven footing may prove to be a more strenuous workout than you intended and this is something you'll want to be prepared for. If you don't mind a little extra intensity, walking on an incline can actually burn calories much faster than would be possible on a flat surface. You should always have a backup location, as well. Consider signing up for a gym membership or investing in a treadmill for your home. This will ensure that you have a weather-friendly alternative on days when the forecast threatens to interfere with your plans!

Safety

Safety should also be a top priority when selecting a walking location. If you'll be alone on your walks, ensure that the park or neighborhood you will be traversing is public and that you will be very visible at all times. If you're in an urban area, be sure to remain aware of your surroundings stop at crosswalks and wait for the appropriate time to walk. It's also good to be wary of the local wildlife and to steer clear of places where you are likely to encounter potentially hostile creatures like gators or coyotes. If you are at all leery of the area you'll be walking in, read up on your local laws and see if a staff or hiking stick with a taser to fend off any hazards you encounter might be an option for you!

Resource

While it's true that all you really need to walk are your own two feet, there are certainly resources available that will make your new commitment to healthy living a bit easier. There are definitely a few items that are worth investing in to get the most out of your walking experience. Keep reading to learn more about the resources you can utilize to help you walk more and for longer periods of time!

Shoes

Firstly, you'll want to invest in a pair of good walking shoes. The best walking shoes will be well-fitted, comfortable, and optimized for movement. Steer clear of shoes that are too tight or not intended for exercise and opt instead for a comfortable and athletic pair of shoes for walking!

Canes & Walking Sticks

If walking is a strenuous activity for you, using a cane for walking or investing in a walking stick can provide additional support and balance on your walks. You may be thinking that carrying a cane along on your walk may slow you down or make your movement clunky, but the opposite is true! Today, many walking canes and walking sticks for hiking are made with ultra-lightweight material like carbon fiber. There are even folding walking canes available so that you can easily tuck it away in your bag if you don't have need of it on any given day!

The Exotic Macassar Ebony Wood Wrapped Adjustable and Folding Walking Cane pictured above is an excellent choice if you intend to use your cane while walking for exercise. The lightweight carbon fiber construction ensures an easy-breezy exercise experience while the ebony wood wrapping is sleek and stylish. Pair this beautiful walking cane with your best activewear for a look that's both fit and fine!

Hiking Staffs

Planning a long walk through strenuous terrain? If you're interested in an authentic hiking experience, you should be prepared for the extra strain this will put on your body. To combat the rigors of walking on rough terrain during your hike, you'll need only the best hiking staff. A good hiking staff will provide support and balance in case you find yourself getting tired and winded on your hike.

This Brown Ash Riverbend Hiking Staff will make the perfect companion on your long hikes! The beautiful staining on the ash wood ensures that this hiking staff is every bit as stylish as it is sturdy. It even has a convenient wrist strap that will prevent you from dropping the staff if you lose your bearings for a moment!

Give your Health a Boost and Get Walking!

When you're looking to make a difference in your health that you'll be able to see and feel, it's time to get out there and walk! With the myriad health bonuses that come with exercise and the ease with which walking can be worked into your daily routine, it should be a no-brainer to get up and get moving! Remember, if you can learn to plan your day effectively, find a great location, put safety first, and take advantage of the resources available, you'll be reaping the benefits of walking every day in no time! If you think you may need a little assistance on your walks, be sure to check out the best canes and walking sticks for sale at Fashionable Canes!