Walking is easy for most of us. You just put one foot in front of the other. Eventually, you arrive at a destination. Walking is more than basic transportation, though. Since walking is easy, it’s also an excellent intro to beginning exercise for healthy people. It requires only basic equipment (comfortable shoes) and an optional pedometer to track your progress.
Know the Benefits of Walking
Walking, like most aerobic exercises, helps strengthen bones, decrease depression, and lower risk of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. It also helps trim the waistline, tones the abdomen and legs, and increases healthy weight loss.
However, walking for health imparts unique benefits.
- No special equipment – All you need is a pair of shoes, comfortable clothing and, ideally, a pedometer.
- Easy to do with a friend – It’s hard to carry on a conversation during high-impact exercises like running or HIIT. Having a good talk with a friend has it’s own cathartic benefits.
- More scenic than a gym.
- May lower Alzheimer’s risk according to a University of Virginia study.
- Improves mood – a 10-minute walk can improve your mood for 2 hours. Get 3 10-minute walks a day and have 6-hours of feel good time. Sounds like a good use of time to me!
- It’s low impact and doesn’t stress the body as much as some other forms of physical fitness
How Much Walking Do You Need?
Fitness experts recommend 10,000 steps a day for weight loss. That works out to about 30 minutes of brisk walking, or approximately five miles. In that 30 minutes, most average-sized adults burn about around calories.
Don’t feel like you have to jump in with a 10,000 step goal. Start with something that works for you. Wear a pedometer for a few days to see what your average daily step count is. Then, start from there and add a few hundred steps. Reach that goal consistently. Then, adjust your aim accordingly.
As I’ve stated in my goal setting blog post, to know if you are reaching your goals, you have to make your goals measurable, achievable, and you have to track your progress. It doesn’t matter if you start at 10,000 or 1,000. Just start at a number that is challenging for you. Count and track.
Many people use expensive gadgets that track their pulse rate and sleep habits, in addition to their daily steps. For the average fitness walker, these devices are probably overkill. But I do recommend using a pedometer to ensure you’re getting your steps.
Tracking Those Steps with a Pedometer
I’ve been using the SC2 Digital Pedometer from OZO Fitness. They also sell their pedometer on Amazon. It clips easily to a belt or a lanyard and continues to track if hidden discretely in a shirt pocket. If you choose to carry it in a pocket, I do recommend putting it in a pocket that isn’t impacted by sitting or squatting.
It works as a watch, too and has a large screen. Trust me, my old eyes appreciate this feature. The SC2 also maintains 7 days worth of records and resets daily at midnight.
I’ve actually lost other pedometers because the clip came loose, but haven’t had that problem with the SC2 Digital Pedometer. The sturdy clip stays right where I put it all day long.
I have noticed a bit of discrepancy between the counts on my FitBit and the SC2. I believe that is because the SC2 doesn’t start counting steps until you have taken 15 in a row to control for false step counting. Whereas, my FitBit starts counting immediately and definitely counts false steps. One time, it counted several hundred steps when I was sweeping the floor in a small kitchen.
The discrepancy (about 200-300 steps a day) is minute enough, however, that I feel confident recommending the SC2 to someone who doesn’t need all the bells and whistles. It’s also a great option for someone that doesn’t think a black, plastic-looking watch is an attractive fashion accessory.
It’s also easy to set up. Here’s a video I made showing how to configure the OZO Fitness SC2 Digital Pedometer.
Proper Walking Technique
To get the most benefit from walking for fitness, you should utilize proper form. You will burn more calories and better prevent injuries.
- Keep your chin up. Look straight ahead and not at the ground. Not only are you more aware of your surroundings (which is better for your personal safety), you are also putting less stress on the neck.
- Bend your arms as you swing them. You burn more calories if you bend your arms while swinging them than if you let them flow naturally.
- Engage the core. Tightening your abdomen as you walk helps to trim the waistline. It also contributes to strengthening the hip flexors which, in turn, protect the lower back.
- Roll from the heel to the ball of the foot. This action strengthens the calves and ankles helping with balance and coordination.
- Increase intensity as your fitness improves. Look for inclines. Walk a little faster. Swing your arms a little faster.
Easy Tricks to Sneak in More Daily Steps
10,000 steps may seem a bit daunting, but there are some sneaky ways to get them in – and no, I’m not talking about sweeping with a FitBit to falsely inflate your numbers.
- Don’t take the easy way out doing household chores. Carrying a basket with you as you clean your home may be more efficient, but it’s robbing you of some extra steps. As I am cleaning, I take the most inefficient route. For example, when doing laundry, I don’t pile it all in a basket and go room to room with it. I put up the bathroom towels and return to the stack. I get the kitchen towels and put them away. Then I go back to the laundry room for the next room’s clothing. I actually add about 500 steps to my day this way.
- Walk to the store. If you need only a couple of essentials, and the store isn’t far away, then enjoy a walk. I have agoraphobia and do not drive. Frequently, I call up my son who lives across the street to meet me at the end of my driveway for a walk to the grocery store. I get fresh air and get to spend time with my son, while still feeling a little safer.
- Take the Stairs. Again, I do this naturally due to my agoraphobia. I prefer not to take the stairs. However, most people rely on the elevator or escalator to reach higher floors. Consider taking at least a few flights of stairs instead. You get in more steps, but you also burn more calories since stair climbing increases intensity.
- Park farther away. Don’t circle the parking lot like a buzzard looking for the best parking spots. Save those places for the elderly and pregnant moms with toddlers that really need them. Not only will you not stress yourself out fighting frantically for prime real estate, but you’ll also shave a few more steps off your daily goal.
- Pace During Phone Calls. Get up from your desk (or off the couch) when you talk on the phone. If you have a 10-minute phone conversation, put on your earbuds and go for a walk. What do you know? You’ve completed 1/3rd of your daily fitness requirement!
- Dance while you do chores. Up your step-count and get in a little more butt and core work by listening to music and dancing. A little fancy footwork helps burn calories and increases the step count.
So, that’s the basics. How do you think integrating walking goals into your daily life could benefit you?
This post is sponsored by OZO Fitness, but all opinions are my own.
Alicia Taylor
We enjoy hosting parties and my husband and I are both avid gamers. You can find me on PS4 as SunshineFlaGirl. We also play tabletop RPGs and eurogames.
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57 Comments
Amila
February 6, 2018 - 7:28 pmyes,walking helps to lose weight and enjoy better lifestyle.Thanks for these great tips.Last month,I started walking in a leisure way,for around 30 minutes – 1 hour.This could relax me.At the end of the month I found that I’ve lost some weight and I could wear some of my favourite dresses again.I am not over weight,but I had some extra fats that didn’t allow me to wear body hugging dresses. 🙂
Alicia Taylor
February 7, 2018 - 12:36 pmThat is always a plus! I had lost a lot of weight – and discovered I could wear some knee boots that previously wouldn’t fit my calves. I bet you rocked your dresses!
Nicole
February 6, 2018 - 2:31 pmI didn’t know that doctors actually swaid that 10,000 steps a day is good for weight loss. Of course that’s a bit crazy of a starter goal as you said! I really like that you included the best formation on how to walk to get best success. These are really great tips, thanks for sharing!
Ophelia T
February 5, 2018 - 10:08 pmI love walking. Especially with my dog during the warmer season. Thanks for this awesome guide.
Blair Villanueva
February 5, 2018 - 3:34 amWalking is something i love to do everyday. It makes my legs firm and helps me to be fit. I can have long walks , and i like it coz its my opportunity to appreciate my surroundings.
Alicia Taylor
February 5, 2018 - 8:44 amYes – I love walking in the evenings when I can hear the crickets and see the fireflies.
adstanfield25
February 4, 2018 - 11:15 amI have really upped my walking this year (it was one of my resolutions) and having a pedometer (fit bit) was game changing for me. I am so motivated to get in all my steps, and I look for reasons to have to walk somewhere!
thetennisfoodie
February 3, 2018 - 11:14 amI love walking as it is my form of exercise. It is also free! No gym membership required!
Corinne and Kirsty
February 3, 2018 - 5:36 amI used to walk so much. When I was leaving in Edinburgh everything was in walkable distance so it was easy. Not so much in London. But I get all the health benefits from walking!
The Motivated Mom
February 2, 2018 - 8:51 pmokay okay….I am starting walking this week for sure. I use to love to run, and now it is challenging to walk.
Alicia Taylor
February 4, 2018 - 1:12 pmGood luck! And I totally understand
lavandamichelle
February 2, 2018 - 5:20 pmThanks for the “beginners guide.” I have been walking for health fora lonnng time. But I love your tips for sneaking in extra steps, I always crank the music so I can dance while cooking and cleaning.
Anosa Myrabev Malanga
February 2, 2018 - 4:01 amWalking and more time to exercise is one of my new year’s resolution this 2018. I hope I can improve it. Reading this makes me more motivated. Glad I came over this.
Alicia Taylor
February 2, 2018 - 9:19 amGlad it helped you 😀
AnnMarie John
February 2, 2018 - 3:33 amWalking is really helpful especially if you’re not a very active person. I like the tips that you shared and the different ways that you can do some walking. It’s really easy and it doesn’t require a gym membership! No excuses left when it comes to walking, to be honest.
Alicia Taylor
February 2, 2018 - 9:23 amWalking is helpful for everyone 🙂 I’m pretty active, but sometimes when my arthritis is going nuts, walking is all I can manage.
Erika Ramona (@ekachamporado)
February 1, 2018 - 11:24 pmAbsolutely, walking is the best method to lose weight. I walk for an hour everyday but I’m still not sure if I am able to achieve the “10,000 step goal.”
Alicia Taylor
February 2, 2018 - 9:20 amIt’s a difficult goal. I have a hard time with it myself. I keep mine to a more modest 7,000 steps on days that I am not taking long walks.
Suzanne Spiegoski-Decamps
February 1, 2018 - 8:42 pmI live in NYC where walking is constant and keeps me in shape for sure! That and a 100+lbs German shepherd 🙂
Alicia Taylor
February 2, 2018 - 9:23 amHe keeps you busy – and safe. I’m more of a cat person, but if I lived in a place where I had to walk alone, I would also have a 100 pound shepherd – or rotty.
Patricia-Ann Que
February 1, 2018 - 6:57 pmi cant agree more! i walk to work everyday and i also go to the gym! i find both activities meditative and at the same time rejuvenating! i also count steps which makes it more fun and challenging!
Alicia Taylor
February 2, 2018 - 9:24 amI like having measurable goals. I know how I am progressing 😀
Leo T. Ly
February 1, 2018 - 4:28 pmAs a busy parent, I don’t have a lot of time to exercise. Walking is definitely in my routine. I walk for about 25 minutes every day after lunch. It’s not a lot, but some exercise is better than no exercise.
Alicia Taylor
February 2, 2018 - 9:25 amIf you add just 5 more minutes to that, you’ve actually met the 30 minutes a day goal – and that is excellent!
Amber
February 1, 2018 - 2:06 pmThese are some great tips. I have a FitBit and I always try to get at least 10,000 steps a day. I try to always keep moving when I can.
Alicia Taylor
February 1, 2018 - 2:25 pmI’m jealous! I have a hard time getting 10,000 a day unless I am on my feet all day. As a blogger, that’s hard!
Kerri
July 7, 2016 - 5:56 amI’m trying my best to add more steps to my day. This would help with my weight loss goal. Now, to find my pedometer!
Marielle Altenor
July 6, 2016 - 8:28 pmMy hubby walks a lot. I need to start walking more to get rid of some of this baby weight that I put on in the last couple of months.
Alicia Taylor
July 7, 2016 - 4:57 pmMaybe you could walk with him – bonding!
Tatanisha W
July 6, 2016 - 5:26 pmWe try to walk a few times a week. It’s definitely important especially if you have health issues! Thanks for the tips and reminder!
Alicia Taylor
July 7, 2016 - 4:57 pmYes – it’s a great form of exercise when health issues prevent you from doing more.
LauraFunk
July 6, 2016 - 10:35 amWe are walking regularly to help get our family up and moving and away from the TV, it is wonderful family time
Alicia Taylor
July 6, 2016 - 1:20 pmIt is! And it instills the early love of being active in the kids!
Nicole Escat
July 5, 2016 - 11:52 pmI’ve started to have a daily exercise last week and I know it really works, It’s important to have an daily exercise with good and healthy food.
Emily, Our house now a home
July 5, 2016 - 11:45 pmI love your ideas, starting small and setting realistic goals. It can feel to begin and bexause of that some don’t even start. I am all for simple gadgets, anything more detailed and I always need my husband to figure it out.
Alicia Taylor
July 6, 2016 - 1:21 pmI had to start off small when I started working out. I would watch these trainers yelling “push yourself. You can do this.” While I am all for challenging yourself, you have to work within your own boundaries.
The Trophy WifeStyle
July 5, 2016 - 10:11 pmI’m all about waking! So many of my friends run but ughhh…. I’m definitely the walker of the group!
Alicia Taylor
July 6, 2016 - 1:21 pmMe too! I actually have Ankylosing Spondylisis, so running is difficult on my hips.
Scott
July 5, 2016 - 9:10 pmWe found out that the new iPhones automatically track your steps/etc. One day it said I walked over 12 miles (we were in D.C. touring the museums).
Alicia Taylor
July 6, 2016 - 1:22 pmYep – The androids do that, too. I don’t carry a cell phone though. I know *gasp*, right?
Renz
July 5, 2016 - 7:41 pmI’ve just started back walking. Still not as consistent as I would like to be but I hope to get there soon
Alicia Taylor
July 6, 2016 - 1:22 pmKudos to you! Set small goals, meet them, and move the goal post. You will get there!
Helene Cohen Bludman
July 5, 2016 - 5:47 pmI love walking and can easily get to 10,000 steps a day when I’m on vacation.
Alicia Taylor
July 6, 2016 - 1:23 pmI have a very difficult time getting 10,000 a day, unless I’m on vacation at Disney or someplace that requires a lot of walking. At home, even with all my active working out and lifestyle, I really have to strive for it.
Elizabeth O
July 5, 2016 - 3:45 pmI’m a big advocate for walking; I’ve enjoyed its many health benefits for years. I also live near water so walking by the river offers additional restorative benefits.
Alicia Taylor
July 6, 2016 - 1:24 pmYes, it does! I live in the middle of the woods and love walking around the wildlife. I used to like walking on the beach, but it’s grown up so much in the last few years that it’s not relaxing anymore – just too many tourists.
Michele
July 5, 2016 - 3:05 pmI was amazed at how little I walked until I started tracking my steps!! This is a great guide, walking is one of my favorite forms of exercise.
Alicia Taylor
July 6, 2016 - 1:24 pmIt’s a great form – and the easiest to stick with!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication
July 5, 2016 - 2:56 pmGreat info here! I walk our dog every morning, and I try to park far away in parking lots, too!
Alicia Taylor
July 6, 2016 - 1:25 pmI don’t drive and my husband usually wants to find the closest spot. When I did drive, I parked in the boonies and walked.
Amanda
July 5, 2016 - 1:50 pmGreat tips! I walk with my children at least 4 nights a week. It’s a great way to exercise and spend quality time together too!
loisaltermark
July 5, 2016 - 12:10 pmThis is such a good resource, and it answers so many important questions. I need to start walking more, and I think you just motivated me to put my sneakers on and get moving.
Alicia Taylor
July 6, 2016 - 1:26 pmYay! I’m so glad to hear that!
Judy
July 2, 2016 - 9:51 pmI used to think that I walked quite a lot until I got inspired by your weight loss and started wearing a fitness tracker. I then seen that I was only getting about 2,000 steps a day. In the beginning it was very hard to get more steps but I have been using several of the tips that you wrote about and yep it really adds up fast. Working in the yard has been a big help also. I have felt so much better and it is great way to relive stress 🙂 too.
Alicia Taylor
July 3, 2016 - 2:42 pmI am so glad to hear that! It is a great stress reliever. I feel much less stressed than I used to.
Gary Curtis
July 2, 2016 - 10:43 amExcellent article Alicia, and yes walking has amazing benefits! If you would like to expand upon the pedometer ,and learn about Fitness Trackers and what they are all about, then feel free to visit our website for a free 32 page tracker guide! (Kind regards from a EKred member)
Alicia Taylor
July 3, 2016 - 2:42 pmThank you, Gary! I will definitely check it out.