This is a view I never got sick of seeing on walks in Alaska! The mountains are a gorgeous backdrop.
I love everything about going for a walk. I like the views, the sounds of birds chirping, the silence of the forest, the fresh air all around me and the health benefits every step of the way. After college, I moved to Ireland and I did a lot of walking in the four years I lived there. I was able to shed several pounds while getting around the city.When I moved back to America, I missed the everyday walks to work and home. It gave me time to reflect on the day and relax before I got home from work.
If you are not into heading outdoors for exercise, I want to share with you the amazing benefits of walking for women. I want to encourage you get out into nature and enjoy the health benefits walking has to offer. There are so many paths and trails and inclines (or not) to explore. You can stay close to home or make a trip out of walking in new and beautiful place. You don’t have to walk 3 miles on your first day out! Start small and build up your stamina. If I can walk in -10 degrees on snowy icy paths in Alaska surrounded by moose, you can walk anywhere!
When a moose takes over a walking path, I have to forge a new trail! The path is clear, but snow is piled around the edges of it!
One Step at a Time:
One of the amazing aspects of walking outdoors is that it can fit any fitness level. If you are just starting out start with short, easy walks and over time, increase your pace and distance. Set reasonable goals, such as adding extra time and length each week. You can also aim for a longer walk on weekends or days off for an added boost. This approach will save you from burnout and ensures that walking remains an enjoyable habit.
The first step to start a walking routine is to make sure you have comfortable walking shoes and clothing. Try them out near your house before going far away where you are stuck in an uncomfortable outfit. Buying new walking shoes and clothes can be a fun exercise in it self! I have some weird feet and my go to walking shoes are Hokas. I am on my 5th pair and they are great for many feet types. I understand they are pricey, but they do the job and support my feet. I also have a hiking version I use with good grip. I suggest moisture wicking clothing that isn’t too tight to make your walk comfortable. For longer walks, make sure you have water with you!
Now that you have your shoes laced up, you are ready to go! I like to use the free version of “Map My Run” app on my phone to track my time and distance. You can save the route you took and compare your time if you do it several times. A Fitbit is a great tool to count your steps and track sleep and heart rate and more. I have had several versions of my Fitbit for about 10 years and I love it.
Safety when Walking Alone:
Whether you prefer solo walks or in a group, safety is a top priority. Make sure your path is well-lit and choose populated routes if you are alone. Be sure to tell someone about your route, and carrying a phone for emergencies. If there are low -light conditions, consider wearing reflective clothing. You may want to consider a self-defense classes tailored for walkers, providing valuable skills and boosting confidence. If walking alone, you may want to consider carrying mace or other self defense item if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Health Advantages: The Physical and Mental Benefits
There are so many health benefits that come with having a walking routine. It really is an ideal option for women of all ages. Reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart health, diabetes, and obesity as well as helps lower your blood pressure. Being a low-impact exercise, it will help with bone health and preventing osteoporosis. It is also known to boost your immune system, reducing the likelihood of illnesses and infections.
Walking is a good and sustainable choice to support weight loss goals. While it may not burn calories as fast as high-cardio workouts, the consistency of walking helps create a calorie deficit over time if done enough. In addition to weight loss, walking helps tone muscles, particularly in the lower body. By pushing yourself to go a little longer and a little faster each time you will gradually see your hard work pay off and then it will be time to buy fun new walking outfits!
Walking enhances energy levels. I don’t know one person that doesn’t want more energy! Taking a brisk walk increases your blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and organs, promoting alertness and a sense of vitality. Adding a daily walk into your routine can help alleviate feelings of fatigue and enhance overall productivity. Sometimes when I am feeling a slump at work, I like to go out on a 20 minute walk to feel better for the remainder of my work day. It is also a time to take a deep breath and clear my mind.
Social and Emotional Perks: Walking Beyond Fitness
On that same note, walking is really good for your mental health and well-being. It eases anxiety, stress and may help if you suffer with depression. It helps you sleep better which makes everyone a better person in my opinion! When you feel better, you have better self-esteem and regular walking can help with this. You can also use your walking time for meditation and reflection if needed. It really depends on my mood what I want to get out of my walks. Sometimes I like to listen to music or a podcast and sometimes I need to hera the birds sing to remind me how lucky I am to be able to get outdoors and enjoy the freedom of my surroundings.
Walking provides an excellent opportunity for social interactions if you choose. I love walking in groups and alone. Whether strolling through the neighborhood with friends, participating in a walking group, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll with family, the social aspect adds a layer of enjoyment to the exercise. If you are dreading a walk, being with others can serve as great distraction!
A great goal for you to set for yourself can be a walking trip! Research a place you want to go and plan some awesome walks. Maybe you want to walk the Great Wall of China or trek through a jungle in South America. Make a plan so you have something to look forward to. As I write this, I realize I need to plan some walking trips for myself!
I encourage you to get out outdoors and start walking. I hope I have given you some reasons to walk and ways to get started if you are new to walking as an exercise routine. I would love to hear about some walking trails you like so I can start planning a trip or two. Please leave it in the comments below!
Here is a little transparency, My website contains affiliate lins. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, it is no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you great content!*