| Why an article about walking? You already know | | | | any subject, and many of them are free. |
| that walking is one of the best exercises. It's free. | | | | Burn More Calories |
| You don't need any special equipment (other than | | | | Maybe you'd like to make your walks more |
| a sturdy pair of shoes). No trainer is needed: you | | | | challenging. Here are some ways to get your |
| already know how to do it. | | | | heart pumping a little faster. |
| This article will give you some ideas on how to | | | | Strap on a Backpack - One way to add weight in |
| spice up your walking program to fight boredom | | | | a comfortable way is to buy a good quality |
| and accelerate the weight loss benefits. | | | | backpack and fill it with books, water bottles, or |
| Fight Boredom | | | | even rocks. Start out light and work your way up |
| The key to success with any exercise program is | | | | to heavier weights. |
| to keep doing it on a consistent basis. Make | | | | Push a Stroller - If you're a Mom or Dad you |
| exercise a habit. But sometimes the same routine | | | | might already be walking with your kids in a |
| can lead to boredom. Consider spicing up your | | | | stroller. But if you haven't been doing it |
| walking workouts once in awhile. | | | | consistently, it can be a great way to get your |
| Get Different Walking Partners - Maybe you | | | | kids some fresh air while you burn some calories. |
| prefer to walk alone and meditate or mentally go | | | | You can even join up with other parents in stroller |
| over your to-do list for the day, but many people | | | | walking groups that meet up in parks. Check |
| enjoy the social interaction of walking with | | | | CraigsList for announcements. |
| someone else. | | | | Add Some Hills - Walking up and down hills burns |
| Perhaps you have a friend or neighbor or even | | | | more calories and works different muscles than |
| your spouse who you walk with during the week. | | | | walking on flat ground. |
| Consider scheduling a walk with someone else on | | | | Climb Stairs - If you live an urban area, climbing |
| the weekend. Instead of meeting for coffee or | | | | stairs is an invigorating alternative to walking, |
| going out to eat, call up a friend and suggest a | | | | especially in inclement weather. You can even |
| walk in a nearby park or mall. | | | | take the elevator down to avoid stress on your |
| Change Your Location - In the dead of winter in a | | | | joints. Climbing stairs in your hotel is also a good |
| cold climate you may not have much choice but | | | | workout when your travelling. |
| to walk on a treadmill or in a mall. But in more | | | | Speed Up - If you are the competitive type, time |
| temperate climates or during the warmer months, | | | | your walks and keep a log. On certain days make |
| it's invigorating to vary your walking locations. | | | | a conscious effort to push yourself and beat your |
| Choose outdoor venues and make a point to | | | | best time. Another invigorating workout is interval |
| notice the natural surroundings. | | | | training. Challenge yourself to walk fast for one |
| Listen To What Inspires You - If you prefer to | | | | block, slower for the next and repeat. |
| walk alone do you listen to music? Get some new | | | | If you are walking on a consistent basis, |
| CDs or download some new music into your MP3 | | | | congratulations you are taking productive steps to |
| player. What about a book on CD? Audio | | | | better health and sustained weight loss. Vary your |
| recordings can even be checked out from your | | | | routine occasionally to prevent boredom and |
| library or downloaded from the internet. ITunes | | | | challenge yourself to better fitness. |
| has a huge selection of podcasts on just about | | | | |