How can I stay motivated with a walking program?

One of the best ways to stay motivated to walk is to include other people. Ask friends and coworkers to join you. Join a walking group or club.

• Use a phone app or buy a pedometer. Use it every day, and count your steps. The first time you use it, count how many steps you normally take in a day. Set a goal for increasing it each day or week. Try to start with an increase of 2,000 steps a day and work toward 10,000. Get others to join you and set goals as a group.
• Walk before or after work or on your lunch break. Instead of taking a snack or coffee break, take a walk break.
• If the weather is bad, use a treadmill. Or take comfortable shoes to the mall, and walk several laps inside.
• Walk to work, school, the grocery store, or a restaurant.
• Walk around your neighborhood, around an entire park, or to do errands.
• Schedule walks on your business calendar. Turn a walk into a brainstorming session with a coworker.
• Wear comfortable shoes and socks that cushion your feet.
• Drink plenty of water. Take a bottle with you when you walk.
• Be safe, and know your surroundings. Walk in a well-lighted, safe place.
• Plan family outings around walks together.
• Take your dog on a walk.
• Set a goal to participate in an organized fitness walk.