Hot summer temps, sore shins and waning motivation can conspire against even the most enthusiastic walkers. Ask any long-time exercisers and they'll tell you that getting out the door is the most challenging part of a fitness program. If you're tempted to skip a day, remind yourself that regular walking offers an impressive payoff: your health, energy level and appearance all get a big boost. Still can't get moving? Here's how to knock down some common roadblocks that may be standing between you and a great walk.
Heather Walker admits she has a somewhat checkered walking past. "I get bored easily and need little pushes to keep exercising regularly," explains the Toronto teacher. She keeps her walking regime moving by continuously changing it up. One year, she walked with a personal trainer for several sessions. Recently, she joined a group that treks through a nearby ravine with walking poles.For Ann-Marie Smith of Charlottetown, a race date circled on the calendar keeps her focused. "Setting a goal and accomplishing it really gets you pumped up," says Smith, who completed her second 10 K event last year. Even better was the after-effect of the race. "The pride I felt afterwards motivated me to keep walking regularly and rejoin my lunch-hour fitness classes."
Turning up the intensity is all about technique, says Megan Huzzey, a competitive race walker from Victoria. Concentrate on rolling through the entire foot and pushing off strongly with the toes. Walking coach Jenni Bolton of Toronto suggests taking small, fast steps while moving your arms quickly at your sides, and adding hill workouts. "On flat terrain, add regular 30-second intervals where you push yourself into an extra-fast walk," she adds.Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.