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3. I don't have time to walk.
What you're really saying is "I haven't made time to walk, because walking is not a priority for me." We can give you countless reasons to walk, but no one else can MAKE you walk. It's up to you to make walking a priority.
Think about it this way: Do you place a high priority on yourself and your well-being? It never hurts to remind yourself of the health benefits you gain by walking regularly (link to health benefits pop up window on general health pg). Although you may not notice these long-term benefits right away, you will notice this: You'll have more energy. You'll sleep better. You'll be fitter. And you'll be happier. If all of those things are important to you, then walking should be, too.
Even on the days you really can't seem to set aside a half hour for a walk, you CAN walk. Find shorter segments of time where walking naturally fits into your schedule. If you're used to driving everywhere, this may take a little rethinking. But just sit down, take a quick look at your calendar, and check off the places where you could walk instead of driving. If you have a short errand to do, a meeting to attend, or a child to pick up, walk. If you're headed to see a movie, to worship, to a game, walk. Although it may take a few minutes longer than normal, remind yourself of your efficient use of time: you're actually accomplishing several things at once.
Still racking your brain for a way to make time?
4. Walking is painful for me.
If you are out of shape or recovering from an injury or illness, walking might hurt—at first. But if you don't try walking for short durations and building up slowly, then it's not going to stop hurting.
When you think about it, the damage you're doing to your body by not staying active will hurt you far more in the long run than the discomfort you're experiencing now. If you don't walk or engage in intensive physical activity on a regular basis, you're making yourself a top candidate—for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even some forms of cancer.
Walking is one of the easiest physical activities to do. And it will get even easier, if you stick to it. Start by walking ten minutes a day and build up slowly as you get more comfortable. Never add more than 10-20% more time or distance to your walk in a week's time, but do keep a walking diary to help motivate you to add more time and ground to your daily walk. You should always check with your personal physician before beginning any new exercise program.
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Open our printable walking diary and use it to record your progress.
open diary
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