Walking Tips

By guest author Dale Rule

Since 2009, walking has been a part of my fitness routine and my life. Whether it's walking outside or inside, I work hard to keep up my routine. The Bowflex TreadClimber^® has been a tremendous motivator in my overall fitness and daily routines.

The Bowflex TreadClimber has allowed me to be at home with my family more, since I can get such a challenging and diverse workout without going to the gym or driving to my favorite trail. I walk daily, but the most intense workout I get every day is the 30 minutes I spend on the TreadClimber. It works parts of my muscle groups that walking alone doesn't reach.

If you're looking to increase your daily steps, I can share three tips that may help you.

1. Find a walking partner - family, music, etc.

   I walk almost every day, often with my family. If I'm alone, I find that music can help motivate me. Up-tempo beats help me to get going - no matter how I feel. I am often singing along the trail when I walk. It's all about me clearing my thoughts or sorting things out. I walk longer and at a faster pace when I am listening to music.

   If you don't have a walking partner, consider using your walking time to sort through your ideas, aspirations, or work-related challenges. I'm often thinking about and planning how I will continue to grow my nonprofit while I walk. I find a lot of creative solutions to my life when I am out walking by myself. Over the last five years, I have not made any big decisions without walking on them first.

2. Set daily goals and have a minimum goal that you will achieve every day - no matter what.

   You must make the goal realistic or it will feel daunting and unachievable. When I started, my goal was to walk one mile, every day, no matter what. If I was sore or tired and did not want to go up or down any hills, I went to the track and walked four laps. Your goal could be the stop sign down the street or just 15 minutes every day. It doesn't matter what it is, but make it a goal that you will do on even your toughest days. Then you will find yourself exceeding it on your great days.

3. Pick a landmark or a time of day.

   My wife and I have a landmark that is half a mile from our house. Our goal is to walk to that sign and back every night after dinner. When the weather is bad, we can rely on the Bowflex TreadClimber to cover the distance. This walk after dinner is a great way to burn some extra calories, as well as help to burn carbs eaten at dinner.