April 3, 2019
It’s #NationalWalkingDay (April 3, 2019). A great day to put on shoes made for walking, or at least shoes that can be walked in. How many days would you have walked more if only it weren’t for adorable heels? I lost count too.
Why walk?
It’s a great way to reduce stress, burn calories, and connect (with nature, other people, your surroundings).
To take part in the American Heart Association’s #MoveMoreMonth (April).
Live close enough to a daily errand, or two? Walk instead of drive to help Mother Earth.
Ways to Walk More Today and Every Day:
- Wear comfortable shoes. Always. Unless out on a date, or at an evening event that is worth it. Toe-pinching, heel-aching, blister-making shoes do not encourage 10,000 step days. That said, it’s amazing how comfortable certain high heels can be. Buy those. Not the other ones. Easier said than done.
- Keep going to the grocery store and walking the aisles. It’s tempting to manage time by ordering groceries online for pick-up, or delivery. Sitting in front of a computer searching items and adding them to an online cart still takes time. It may not take as much time as actual shopping and it might help you stick to your list, yet online shopping takes away walking, talking, and ahem…interacting with other human beings time. Use a basket whenever possible to work on balance and strength.
- Find a Podcast or Audiobook you’re excited about listening to. Then, only let yourself listen to it if you’re walking. Enjoy it indoors, outdoors, on a treadmill, or a dirt path (or even in the grocery store), so long as you’re walking.
- Invest in apparel that keeps you moving in comfort no matter the season. Instead of using Mother Nature as an excuse, be prepared to face her. If people in Norway can do it, you can too.
- Use walking as your way to decompress and destress instead of grabbing a snack, or a sweet. Disconnect from your phone and observe your surroundings, appreciating anything you can. If walking indoors, it might be the view from a window, or a painting, anything.
- Set goals and be determined about them. My Fitbit reminds me to move at least 250 steps every hour of the day between 9 and 6 p.m. I’ve been known to take steps from side to side while folding laundry, or washing dishes just to get those steps in.
- Get on a walking desk however you can. They’re amazing. Time moves faster while working through tedious tasks when walking 2.0 miles per hour. Options at a variety of price points exist. If you have a treadmill, you could get an attachment for it without being out much more than $100. Some athletic clubs have a couple of walking desks on hand. The Rochester Athletic Club has a couple, each available for an hour at a time.
Walking Desks:
Note: I have affiliate relationships with certain retailers and may receive a small percentage of any sale. But I only get commission on items you buy and don’t return, so I’m only happy if you’re happy. Thanks for helping me pay the bills!
If you have a treadmill, you could turn it into a walking one with this Treadmill Desk attachment ($109).
Or, if you have a stand-up desk, you could put LifeSpan’s Under Desk Treadmill beneath it ($799.99).
Need both? The NordicTrack Desk Treadmill has a desk built onto the treadmill ($999).
How many steps do you take a day? Is it enough? Or, are you looking for ways to move more in April? Connect with 40 Fit N’ Stylish on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and let us know.
