Walking is a great way to get in some light cardio, squeeze in 30 minutes of exercise and may even allow you to catch up with a friend in a meaningful way. You can even get your walking in by walking your kids to school and back for an extra 5,000 steps a day.
Walking is great because it requires no gym membership and no extra equipment, which makes it a simple thing to add into your schedule since you can do it anywhere, anytime. So, grab a water and let’s go!
Make a plan
Whether you’re walking with a buddy or solo with some good music, the first thing you’ll want to do is to get it on the calendar. Setting up a schedule and sticking to it is the hardest part for most people when faced with establishing a walking routine. But by getting it on the calendar you’ll take out all of the stress and guess work and it actually becomes easier. For more benefits of working out with a friend click here:
Find an inspiring, easy spot
If possible, find a space that offers some inspiration—the beach, a hiking trail, or a local park, but also make sure it’s easy for you to get to on a regular basis. Getting out into the fresh air and taking in nature’s beauty is great for the soul and can fuel your fire through that extra mile. (For a list of National Parks in the U.S., go here).
Set the pace
Once you’ve selected the when and where, it’s time to take a closer look at what you’ll be doing. If you haven’t been walking routinely and you’re hesitant to go in guns blazing, it’s okay to start slowly.
Ready – Set – Go!
Here are a few tips for a great walking experience:
1. Warm Up: While you may only be walking, it’s still important to warm up properly. Start out with a five minute slower pace to get the blood pumping then pick up the pace. (I think this can be deleted, but you might want to keep it in here)
2. Posture: Suck in your belly and pump your arms when walking to strengthen your core and involve more of your muscles.
3. Sweat: Try and get a good sweat going and if you have hills around, going up hill is great for the legs.
4. Cool Down: End your walk with a gradual slow down during the last five minutes to get a nice cool down.
Want to set up a regular walking routine for your office? Let us help you put together an office-walking club. Email us at info@goomigroup.com or Contact us here.
