Getting Bored of Your Walking Workout? Here Are 4 Foolproof Tips for Making a Walk More Fun

Getting outside for a walking workout is a primo way to hit that daily step count and get your body moving while soaking up some fresh air (which has some major health benefits of its own). But sometimes a walk can get, well, a bit boring. Passing along the same old route yet again can make you feel like a hamster on a wheel. We caught up with trainer and fitness coach Roxie Jones, the creator of BodyROX, for some tips to spice things up and make walking fun.

1. Power walk with a pooch

Leash up your four-legged best buddy and hit the trails together. “I have a dog so it’s always fun to have her as a companion,” Jones says. Walking your dog is not only fantastic exercise for you both, but studies show that the added companionship increases your overall activity level.

Not a pet owner? Check in with your local animal shelter and volunteer for weekly dog walks.

2. Make it a friend outing

It can be hard to properly catch up with a friend during a Pilates or spin class. Instead, make plans for a weekly walk together. “I love calling up a friend to take a walk while we chat and grab a coffee,” Jones says. You can aim for a moderate pace to get your heart rate up while still carrying on a conversation.

Missing your long-distance besties? Make a date for a power walk phone call. Be sure in pop in the AirPods so you aren’t messing with pesky chords or getting distracted by juggling too many items.

3. Explore new places

It can be easy to fall into the same pattern for your walking workout. But simply traveling to and from work or rehashing the standard neighborhood route can get old. Make walking fun again by exploring nearby trails or paths. Pick one with fantastic scenery and opt for a sunrise walk to start the day off in a spectacular way. Or choose a fun destination to reach, like a neighborhood you’ve never explored or that new store you’ve been dying to check out.

4. Get lost in an audiobook

“Pick a really good podcast or audiobook to listen to while out and about getting steps in,” Jones suggests. Download an episode or a book that will really pique your interest—you might surprise yourself and go a bit further just to keep listening. Pro tip: People We Meet on Vacation will have you walking for miles to finish that swoon-worthy gem! For a meta moment, learn more about why we move while you’re breaking a sweat with this episode of the Well+Good podcast.

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