The Easiest Way to Walk More
Get More Movement Wherever You Go
| There’s no shortage of reasons to get out of the house this time of year. Farmers markets, local festivals, concerts in the park, botanical gardens, and neighborhood events all offer a chance to explore while naturally adding more movement to your day. |
| Movement doesn’t always have to come from a workout. The latest research suggests that around 7,000 steps a day may be enough to see health benefits, and many of those steps can come from everyday activities. This week, do something that gets you walking without making exercise the main event. |
Take a look at your week. What outings do you have planned? What events are happening in your community? Movement might already be hiding inside your calendar. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Hit the farmers market.
Wander stall to stall. Carry your own bags. Stop to chat with friendly faces. Go a little earlier than you planned and take the long way around. A farmers market trip has more movement built into it than most people realize, and none of it feels like exercise while it’s happening.
See what’s happening in your community.
Head to a county fair, explore a local festival, visit a botanical garden or the zoo, wander a boardwalk, or enjoy a free concert in the park. Walking the grounds, finding the next stage or vendor, swaying to live music, exploring what’s around the next corner: these outings are naturally full of movement.
Make vacation days walkable.
Whether you’re traveling somewhere new or taking a stay-cation, look for the walkable version of your plans. Choose destinations you can explore on foot instead of driving from one attraction to the next. Some of the best vacation moments happen when you’re just walking around with nowhere specific to be.
Build movement into family get-togethers.
A walk before the cookout. A game of cornhole or frisbee in the backyard. A stroll around the neighborhood after dinner. These are easy, natural additions to time you’re already spending with people you love.
Turn nearby errands into a walk.
If the library, post office, coffee shop, pharmacy, or a local restaurant is within walking distance, consider leaving the car behind. Picking up a coffee, returning a library book, mailing a package, or grabbing takeout can all become opportunities to fit a little more movement into your day. You still get everything on your to-do list done, with the added benefit of fresh air and a few extra steps.