This month, we're diving into how to start a solid fitness routine with no intimadating trip to the gym required! Whether you're just starting out or looking for simple ways to stay active, this series will cover different ways to work out from the privacy of your own home.
If you aren’t doing any exercise right now and the idea of strength or resistance training doesn’t appeal to you, one of the best things you can do is start walking. It’s simple, accessible, and incredibly effective for improving your overall health. In fact, I always recommend my clients start with walking. For most people, it's so much more enjoyable! And when you are starting out, doing what's enjoyable and just getting into the routine of moving is the MOST important part!
Plus, walking doesn’t require equipment or a major time commitment. Just a few extra steps each day can have a huge impact on your health, energy levels, and well-being.
The Benefits of Walking
Walking might seem too simple to be effective, but research shows it provides a lot health benefits, including:
- Improved Cardiovascular Health – Walking regularly strengthens your heart, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Increased Energy and Focus – A short walk can boost your mood, increase circulation, and help you feel more energized throughout the day.
- Supports Fat Loss – While it’s not the most intense exercise, walking helps burn calories and supports a healthy metabolism.
- Reduces Stress and Improves Mental Health – Moving your body, especially outdoors, helps lower stress hormones and enhances mental clarity.
- Better Joint and Muscle Health – Walking keeps your joints flexible and strengthens the muscles that support them.
How to Get Started
- Start Small – If you’re not used to walking regularly, begin with just 10 to 15 minutes a day and gradually increase.
- Set a Step Goal – Aiming for 7,000-10,000 steps per day is a great target, but if you are starting with your average steps around 3000 or 4000, aiming for increasing your daily average 500-1000 steps per day is a more realistic goal
- Take Break Walks – Use short breaks throughout your workday to walk around. Another great way to get in steps is to pace during phone calls.
- Make It Enjoyable – Listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook while walking to make the experience more enjoyable. If you are utilizing a treadmill, watch a show or movie. When I first started my fitness routine I would only let myself watch Bravo shows when I was walking on the treadmill. My love for the Real Housewives really got me moving!!
- Track Your Progress – Using a smartwatch or a phone app can help you stay motivated by seeing your daily steps add up.
Walking for a Stronger Future
If you’re not doing any structured exercise, walking really is the best place to start. It’s low-impact, sustainable, and an easy habit to build. By making walking a daily priority, you’ll set the foundation for a healthier lifestyle—one step at a time.
Do you have access to a treadmill? A have a FREE ebook with 40 Treadmill Walking workouts for every level. You can get a copy here!
Next week I’ll dive into how to structure a bodyweight workout at home so you know how to take add on to your routine.
