Article #72

Author: Heather Krasovec

Health care professionals have been telling us for years that we should be walking a minimum of 10,000 steps per day to stay fit and healthy. Many of us want to do that, but find ourselves lacking the motivation and inspiration needed to reach our daily walking goals. Here are a few tips to help you keep on track so that you reach those 10,000 steps every day.

Find A Daily Walking Friend And Set A Daily Walking Time

Find a daily walking friend and set a time when you will walk together each and every day. My walking buddy is my husband and our daily walking time is immediately after we eat dinner. I find that I am a lot more likely to take a long walk if it is preplanned and part of a daily routine. Having a partner makes you a lot less likely to cancel your walk. Knowing that you will be taking away from your partners health as well as your own makes a huge difference. Plus we are less likely to over indulge at dinner if we know we will need to walk afterwards.

Write Down Your Walking Goal

Write down your daily walking goal of 10,000 steps per day (or whatever your particular goal is) and display it in places you see often throughout the day. That written goal posted on the dashboard of your car may be the extra motivation you need to park in the back of the parking lot. Another note taped to the top of your computer screen may inspire you to pace around the office during your next phone call. The written goal on your refrigerator may make you realize that a brisk walk is the pick-me-up you need, rather than the snack or beverage you were reaching for.

Tell Your Friends and Family About Your Walking Goals

Accountability is key, and people are a lot more likely to hold themselves accountable if they tell friends and family about their goals. You will want to have a positive response ready when your sister or co-worker asks how many steps you took yesterday.

Get A Pedometer

No matter how motivated you are, you won’t know if you are reaching your daily goals without a decent pedometer. Research has shown that this useful tool also inspires people to walk about 20% more. Go to Pedometer Reviews to find the best pedometer to help you reach your daily walking goals. There are pedometers that offer rewards when you walk. The Striiv pedometer will actually make donations on your behalf to the charity of your choice when certain goals are met. The Fitbit pedometer offers fitness badges and the opportunity to compete with other Fitbit users. Find out which pedometer will inspire you the most, then get walking!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/tips-to-keep-you-motivated-so-that-you-reach-your-daily-walking-goals-5758059.html

About the Author

Heather Krasovec, creator of Pedometer Reviews, is dedicated to helping consumers find the best products to stay fit and healthy.