When I was on my weight loss journey, I became consistent with a few helpful habits. Perhaps only second to diet is the habit of exercise. I believe that to continue with maintenance success, physical activity is crucial. Is that your experience as well?
Exercise can take many forms, and it may be best if it’s something that you enjoy or provides additional, positive impacts on your life. My favorite example is walking our dogs. It checks off so many boxes!
- Exercise for you
- Exercise for the dogs
- Fosters a stronger relationship with your pet
- Gets you outdoors which is healthy
- Helps with socialization – for both of you!
- Can lead to more vigorous exercise, like jogging
- Requires no special equipment or cost
- Gives you quiet time – or time to listen to music, podcasts, etc.
- Can be done at most levels of fitness
Starting with this post, I will share pertinent links to products and services I have used. However, there will be no affiliate links. I want you to know that there is no financial reason for me to suggest them. These are honest recommendations that you can count on.
Walking does have many benefits, and our bodies were well designed for this form of exercise (1). But at times, I need a little extra motivation. How about you? What can we do to get up and go? Here are a few ideas, all of which I’ve tried and found to be reputable:
- 99Walks is a program with a great app and monthly prizes in the form of motivational bracelets. It’s not free, but it has so many features including classes that you can listen to as you walk or run. Plus bracelets! This is my current program. https://www.99walks.fit/
- Yes.fit is a fun way to travel the world, history, and fantasy while you walk or run. You can earn shirts, medals, pins, and more as you check in to all sorts of interesting sites in their app. Not free, but cute swag! Used this program for many years and completed 25 of their races. https://yes.fit/races
- Charity races – all kinds! I’ve done two different charity type races which I found on Facebook. I’m not a huge fan of these as I don’t like asking for money and also if you don’t research the organization, it might not be legit. But this might be right for you.
- Run Across America has some fun themed runs that you can also walk of course. I’ve tried these twice. The first time I encountered some glitches, but they’ve really come a long way from those early days when their app was new. Great experience the second time! Nice participation souvenir type options. Again, not free. https://nationwiderun.org/
- Zombies, Run is such a fun way to add running (or a slow, crawling jog in my case) to your program. If you like storytelling and a little scare to get you moving, it’s worth a try. And there is a free version to get you started on a thrilling adventure! https://www.zombierun.com/
- Other, in person, road races might be a good option as well. I’ve done a couple of these, and they can be exhilarating. However, they are not my first choice because you must show up on a specific date, time, and location despite and personal circumstances or inclement weather. On a personal note, I once sustained an injury because of being pushed to jog at a time when I was not prepared. So be sure that exuberant participants or time rules don’t end up sidelining you! Often a local running shoe store will have info on this type of race.
Whatever type of exercise you choose, the most important thing is that you do it. I hope you find an activity that you truly enjoy to help with your weight management journey.
Maintain Weight Loss 
One thought on “Exercise: Walking Overview”