To stay consistent, you have to make physical activity a habit. But any habit can become monotonous after a while, which means you need to alter your regular walking routine enough to keep it interesting. According to the American Council on Exercise, a balanced program should consist of muscular strengthening, aerobic activity, and stretching. Here are some ideas:
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Try exploring different routes. Drive around your neighborhood and track the distances to and from various areas so you can plan courses for your daily walks.
Drive to a walking trail, park, or mall for a change of scene.
Assign one or two days a week for your get-out-of-here walks, making it a point to go to a brand-new place. Check your local area's website or Chamber of Commerce for ideas.
Hidden Exercise
Sometimes just making exercise seem like anything but exercise will help you forget any feelings of drudgery in staying fit. When looking for a weekend activity with friends or family, consider an entertaining outing that involves a lot of walking. After perusing up and down the aisles of a craft fair or swap meet, for example, you won't even notice that you clocked hundreds if not thousands of steps. Also consider:
Planning a hike, complete with a picnic lunch Taking the whole gang to the zoo Meandering through a museum.What begins as recreation can become a simple way to incorporate more walking into your day.
Each Step Counts
Remember, exercise is simply any form of physical activity that moves the body. You don't have to engage in the same activities every day. In fact, it's actually beneficial to alternate exercises and body parts. Try these tips:
If you've walked or jogged one day, consider going for a bike ride the next You can work your legs, arms, buttocks, and torso all at once with some heavy gardening and yardwork For sports enthusiasts, variety can mean a game of softball, basketball, volleyball, or tennis now and then If you don't already, try listening to music while you walk; choose different kinds for different moods... or consider learning a new language If you normally exercise in the morning, give yourself the chance to catch a few extra winks one day and change your workout to the afternoon Get a friend or family member to join you; if they're busy, take your pooch for a run.The possibilities are endless — fun fitness opportunities are all around you. When you identify activities that are enjoyable, not despite their physical demands but because of them, you'll find getting in shape never has to be boring or repetitive.