12 tips to motivate yourself to walk

Image: Talke a walk, really.

Ravish Taori lists out all the things you can do to get out of bed and into your walking shoes, like now!

How can I lose weight? How can I achieve the perfect figure? How can I strengthen myself against an array of diseases? The answer to all these questions (and a few more) is walking!

Walking is the best fitness exercise that is ever known to mankind. No side effects - just results!

The key to any walking program or for that matter any fitness program is Motivation. It is a fuel for weight loss. And just like any other program, maintaining a regular walking routine can be difficult once the initial newness wears off. Putting one foot after another, day in and day out, can get a bit monotonous. The monotony can have an adverse result on your fitness program.

So what do you do when your pace starts to slacken and boredom sets in? You motivate yourself! And here is how you do it

Listen to music

Image: Going for a brisk walk... plug in that awesome soundtrack to go with it

Walking is so much better with an mp3 player. Yes, it does require a small investment initially but it is worth every penny! You don't have to listen to only music while walking, you can also engross yourself in audio books or podcasts and just eat up the miles.

You can even make a point to listen to an audiobook while walking. The anticipation of finding out what happens next will be enough motivation to go out for a walk. So step up to the beat!

Choose different routes

Image: Explore unexplored paths. It keeps you guessing
Photographs: Philip Brown / Reuters

The same old route can get a bit dreary.

Explore a new route every now and then. If the environment is enjoyable, miles just fly by.

By focusing on your surroundings you may even forget that you're exercising.

Count your steps

Image: France's national soccer team coach Laurent Blanc steps out of his house for a walk
Photographs: Reuters / Ulrich Chofflet

Ever heard of 10,000 steps per day plan?

You can actually start counting the number of steps that you take and you will probably forget the exercising boredom.

Sure you can use a pedometer, but you can also engross yourself in the activity while you are out walking. You can then compare the steps counted with the steps recorded in your pedometer.

Wear a pedometer

Image: The pedometer helps you keep count of how much you've walked
Photographs: Wikimedia Creative Commons

Several studies show that wearing a pedometer and having a daily step goal can boost your activity level. It can be a powerful reminder that every step counts, and soon you will be finding ways to add steps to your day.

Get a partner

Image: Sachin Tendulkar walks with coach Duncan Fletcher
Photographs: Philip Brown / Reuters

Find a walking buddy to keep you motivated.

Having a friend waiting for you to take a walk gets you out there day after day. Even the discussions, jokes, and tea afterward are great for relaxing.

You can even walk with your dog.

Join a walking club

Image: If you're bored of walking alone, join a group
Photographs: Wikimedia Creative Commons

Better than having just one partner, join an entire club.

This is also a good way to socialise and make new connections.

Remind yourself of the benefits

Image: Whenever you get lazy or tired, remind yourself of all the benefits of walking

Nothing will charge you more than reminding the benefits of walking. And there are so many of them:

Helps in weight loss
Lowers your blood pressure
Strengthens your bones and joints
Reduces the risk of heart disease
Reduces risk of diabetes... the list just goes on!

Maintain a walking journal

Image: Professional speedwalkers often maintain a walking journal. Seen here is US Army Sgt John Nunn walking during the Military World Games competition in Hyderabad
Photographs: Tomisti / Wikimedia Creative Commons

Bring a bit of professionalism in your walking routine. Set a goal and plan a strategy to achieve it. Track your walking minutes, steps, or kilometers in a journal or even in an online log and analyze it every month. You will find yourself out walking just to make those numbers add up.

Choose the best time

Image: Select a timing that suits you the best

Choosing the time that works best for you is an important step to ensure a successful walking program and stay motivated.

Some people walk in the morning to get ready for the day. Some people walk during lunch hour because they hate mornings.

Others walk in the evening or after dinner to relieve tension and relax. If you don't have full 30 to 40 minutes to walk, then break the 30 minutes down into several shorter walks.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Reward yourself

Image: Buy yourself a pair of track pants or those shoes you were dying to buy as a reward every once in a while

If you achieve your goals, reward yourself with something interesting. New clothes, new walking shoes or even a movie; whatever works best for you.

Sign up for an event

Image: Join a walking events such as Relay for Life
Photographs: Wikimedia Creative Commons

Once you have advanced over the beginner level, it is time to sign up for a charity walk or walk-a-thon to give yourself something to work towards. Training for a professional event can be very motivating and very rewarding.

Walk on the treadmill

Image: Walk on the treadmill

When you are absolutely bored to walk outside, jump on the treadmill. You can watch TV or talk to your buddies on the phone and the miles would just add up.

Establish your motivation in your walking activity and you will stay persistent in walking toward a healthy body. The important thing is to set the goals, keep walking and keep shedding those pounds!

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