BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Walking Developing the Walking Habit

Tips on staying motivated as you develop the habit of walking daily.

Developing the Walking Habit

What are some of the tips you have for staying motivated when changing habits?

I really dislike routine by nature. But I have managed to begin a new walking program, prompted by Terri, the Exercise editor here at BOL. I feel awful that I was unaware that we even had a walking site.

But I signed up for your newsletter now to keep motivated.

To help combat my natural resistance to routine, I don't force myself to walk at the same time every day. I also use different routes!

Welcome Lori!
I am glad you found us walkers over here. I love walking, I think it is a perfect exercise. I agree, I do not walk at the same time every day. Some people thrive on routine others do not. I hope to live up to your expectations as the new walking editor and keep you motivated with your walking routine.

I love the quotes in this article, very motivational!

I always found the best way to make sure I get my walk in is to do it first thing. I have a wii fit so first thing can mean doing my steps (which I consider walking) at 5 am.

If I exercise during daylight hours, I walk around a park for an hour.

With the wii it helps that you can mark the days you exercise on a calendar. It's like the "don't breakthe chain" website. You know if you miss a day, you break the chain and have to start all over building a new one.

I have a pedometer app on my phone which tells me how far, how fast, and how many steps I take, in addition to how far I walk. This keeps me honest with myself- and helps me stay accountable to my goals!