Walking is good for your mind and mood – and it’s easy to spice up your routine
We all know that walking is great for both our mental and physical wellbeing. And whether you’re stuck in a rut, or just finding it tricky to meet your step count thanks to a hectic schedule, there are plenty of ways to shake up your routine and keep things interesting.
PT and founder of ARVRA wellness, Georgie Spurling, is a huge advocate of slow fitness. She believes that walking is the perfect way to incorporate this style of exercise into your everyday routine. Here she shares her expert tips to spice up your daily stroll.
“Walking is highly underrated as a form of exercise,” says Georgie. “It can be incredibly effective when you add LISS (low impact, steady state) exercise into your everyday life. It’s proven to have long lasting benefits in terms of fat loss and your cardiovascular system. Getting outside is very, very good for us as we all know.
“One thing people often don’t realise is that walking can be even more effective than high impact workouts because there is less risk of injury and it’s kinder on our joints. It’s also really good for your mind and mood.”
Pro tips to spice up a walk
If you are one of those people who thinks “I don’t really have the time,” or “I don’t really like walking,” then there are several things that you can do, advises Georgie.
Add weights or interval walk
“I often add ankle weights to my walk,” says Georgie. “That creates a super spicy workout! You can also interval walk, so you spend five minutes going super quick, and then five minutes at a slower pace. Switching between power walking and normal walking to create some interval training.”
Walk with a friend – and don’t stress the step count
If you find walking alone a chore, seek out some company – it can keep you motivated, too. “Walk with a friend, and keep each other accountable,” suggests Georgie. And don’t put too much pressure on yourself. “10k steps a day is just a myth,” says Georgie. “If you don’t have the time and can’t fit it into your day, 5k is perfectly fine.”
Make walking a habit – and take the stairs
Once something becomes a habit, it’s easier to stick to. “Aim to fit in a walk everyday, preferably outside,” says Georgie. It’s a great habit to get into. “A simple way to get movement into your day is to take the stairs or walk up escalators, these steps all add up.”
Walk when you’re at your desk
If you work from home, or feel like you’re stuck at a desk in an office all day, it can feel impossible to fit in a walk. But Georgie has a solution that could help. “Walking pads can be a great way to get your steps in if you work from home or have a desk job,” she advises. And the best thing is, you can be doing other tasks at the same time. “Use the time to catch up on emails and life admin,” she suggests.
