Top 10 Ways to Motivate Yourself

The links on this Web page will take you to a different Web site. This information is from Wendy Bumgardner, Your Guide to Walking, www.walking.about.com

1) Register for a Challenging Walking Event
This is how I do it - I register for a marathon or an Avon Walk for Breast Cancer or an International Marching League Walk that will be a real challenge for me. Then I must train or I know the suffering and failure I would have to endure at the event. Next year my goal may be to climb Mt. Hood.

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2) Join Our Walk of Life 10-Week Program
Need somebody to remind you to walk every day, give you a walking assignment, walking lessons, and a healthy recipe? I do that! Join my free Walk of Life 10-Week Program. You can either follow each day from the web site whenever you wish to begin, or wait for one of our newsletter versions to start.

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3) Wear a Pedometer
Medical studies show that wearing a silly little pedometer pays off big for increasing your activity and shedding unwanted pounds. The Centers for Disease Control think they may be the answer to the growing US waistline. Set your step goal at 6000 - 10,000 per day and find ways to add steps to your day.

Before You Buy: Before You Buy a Pedometer
 

4) Make a Walking Buddy
I've gone out walking in a downpour just because I had a date with my walking buddies. We keep each other moving no matter what the weather or other excuses. The conversation, silly jokes, and coffee afterwards are great ways to make even a blah walk a lot of fun.

More: How to Find Walking Friends
 

5) Keep a Walking Journal
Keep track of your walking minutes, steps, or mileage in a journal. Total up each week to see how you are progressing. Set yourself a goal and you will find yourself out walking just to make those numbers add up. I have printable and online logs and trackers.

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6) Join a Walking Club
Since 1984 I have been walking with the walking clubs of IVV/AVA, the world's largest organization of walking clubs. The mission of the IVV is simply to get everybody out walking. They welcome everyone to their events regardless of whether they are club members. But for even more fun and motivation - join!

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7) New Shoes and Walking Clothes
Having new shoes or a new walking ensemble to wear makes me want to get out walking to try them out.

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8) Walking Gadgets
Like pedometers, any walking gadget can get you moving because you want to put it to use. Heart monitors, speed monitors, heart monitor watches - all can make walking a little more fun and give you a reason to get out the door.

Top Picks: Top Picks for Walking Gadgets
 

9) Do a Virtual Walk Across the USA
Track your walking minutes, miles, or steps and color in the trail segments as you do a virtual walk from Atlantic to Pacific on the American Discovery Trail. Seeing the visible progress you make will keep you committed to going walking.

More: Webwalking USA Program
 

10) Choose the Right Time
What is the best time to walk? Many people find that if they commit to early morning walks, there are fewer distractions as may commonly pop up in the afternoon or evening. But if you hate mornings and feel most energetic later in the day - that should be your walking time. To stay motivated, analyze your habits and choose the time that will work best for you.

More: Setting Your Walking Schedule