Do you hate running? No problem! Walking is an effective form of cardio that almost anyone can enjoy. If you consistently go on a walk every day and eat nutritious meals, you’ll notice a difference in your weight.
Of course, even the most enjoyable activities can become mundane if you don’t mix things up occasionally. Here are 10 exciting ways to shake up your walking exercise routine and keep it interesting.
1. Change Your Scenery
One of the easiest ways to shake up your walking exercise routine is to simply walk somewhere else! Switching your route can make every step feel new and exciting.
Try a scenic park, a new neighborhood, or a challenging trail. You never know what you’ll discover!
2. Incorporate Intervals
If you’ve been walking for a while, you may be in good enough shape to challenge yourself further. Add short bursts of speed or high-intensity intervals into your walk.
This not only breaks the monotony but also increases calorie burn. It’s worth it to push yourself even further.
3. Join a Walking Group
Everything is better with a friend! Walking with others can make the exercise more enjoyable and less of a chore. It’s a great way to catch up with friends or meet new people while staying active. You may even meet some new people!
4. Listen to Audiobooks or Podcasts
Download Spotify or Libby to your phone. Now you have access to a whole library of podcasts and audiobooks.
You’ll be surprised by how fast the time flies by when you’re walking and listening to an engaging story or conversation. Choose something you can look forward to tuning into during your walks.
5. Use a Pedometer or Fitness Tracker
Maybe you need to shake up your walking exercise routine by setting goals. Track your progress with a pedometer or fitness app, and create a new step challenge to accomplish every day.
It can be an overall total, or random milestones you set for yourself along the way. Walking becomes a game when you create a challenge!
6. Night Walks
Do you take your walks in the morning before work? Mix it up by walking at night instead. Familiar routes will seem different, and you can enjoy the breeze and peaceful feeling of looking at the stars. Just be sure you’re in a safe, well-lit area.
7. Take Your Camera Along
Your daily walks could be an opportunity to practice your photography skills. Carry a camera on your neck, or simply use your smartphone to snap interesting shots along the way. Just be sure it’s not too cumbersome or bulky. Your walk should still be comfortable.
8. Plan Destination Walks
Do you want to try something new? Walk to a specific destination such as a café, a bookstore, or a friend’s house. Having a destination in mind can provide a sense of purpose and achievement. Plus, you get some kind of reward from the exercise.
9. Mindful Walking
An estimated 200 to 400 million people around the world practice meditation. Many people do this while on their daily walks.
Try meditation out for yourself by focusing on your breathing, the sound of your steps, or the details of your surroundings. You’ll feel a sense of inner peace.
10. Themed Walks
Be creative and come up with themes for your walks. For instance, you can do an 80s walk and wear your brightest exercise clothes while listening to a corresponding playlist. Feeling bold? Wear a superhero cape. Whatever you do, have fun!
Walk on the Wild Side
Try any of these fun ideas to shake up your walking exercise routine. You don’t have to get bored with this form of exercise. Stay motivated and find creative ways to make the walks more interesting.
You can even mix a few of the ideas above. There’s always a way to spice up your stride!
Read More:
14 Sneaky Ways to Fit Exercise Into Your Day
16 Lifestyle Changes for Staying Fit in Your 50s, 60s, and Beyond
Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.