You want to walk, but how do you get yourself out the door or onto the treadmill? That's the toughest challenge most of us face. I am a natural couch potato, so I face it everyday. Here is how this couch potato has turned herself into a marathon walker.
1. Register for a Challenging Walking Event
Wendy Bumgardner ©
This is how I do it: I register for a marathon or an Avon Walk for Breast Cancer or an International Marching League Walk that will be a real challenge for me. Then, I have no reason but to train. Otherwise, I know the suffering and failure I will endure at the event. You can look for US events state by state with my Walk Finder or browse our links to international walks.
2. Join Our Walk of Life 10-Week Program
Wendy Bumgardner ©
Need somebody to remind you to walk everyday, give you a walking assignment, walking lessons, and a healthy recipe? I can do that for you! Join my free Walk of Life 10-Week Program. You can either follow each day from the web site whenever you wish to begin, or wait for one of our newsletter versions to start.
3. Wear a Pedometer
Wendy Bumgardner ©
Medical studies show that wearing a silly little pedometer pays off big for increasing your activity and shedding unwanted pounds. The Centers for Disease Control think they may be the answer to the growing U.S. waistline. Set your step goal at 6,000 - 10,000 per day, and find ways to add steps to your day.
4. Make a Walking Buddy
Krista Van Veen ©
I've gone out walking in a downpour just because I had a date with my walking buddies. We keep each other moving regardless of the weather or other excuses. The conversation, jokes, and coffee afterwards are great ways to make walking fun.
5. Keep a Walking Journal
Wendy Bumgardner (c) 2005
Track your walking minutes, steps, or mileage in a journal. Total your progress each week. Set a goal and you will find yourself out walking just to make those numbers add up. I have printable and online logs and trackers.
