How do I learn to enjoy walking - and walk more?

Firstly, you have to be brutally honest to yourself. Accept the fact that you are NOT healthy - you are overweight and cannot walk distances and your are burdening you ageing heart and that could lead to the onset of heart problems or a heart attack!

Once you can honestly accept those facts then that alone should motivate you towards changing your habits and make a commitment that you will stick to ....walking groups, line dancing group, walking the dog three times a day ...... Whatever you choose it all starts with you - our suggestions are just ideas but you need to take action now if you value your life!

I know you said no walking groups, but in our area there are weekly health walks which start at our local library, they are not too long and you don't need to book in advance, you just turn up. Maybe there is something like this in your area, it might be worth asking at your library or GPs surgery

Another lapsed walker here. I have had severe back problems since my 30s, and although I know it would help to walk more, I dread the inevitable pain. I am so unfit now, and get out of breath very quickly, and find it embarrassing to walk around the local streets sounding like I'm having an asthma attack (which I do, occasionally).......to be honest, what am I saying? I'm getting lazy, that's what. I too prefer dozing and reading, and despite the nagging of my DH, cannot find it in me to make the effort.

And whatever you do, DON'T sit down halfway round - if you're like me, you'll never get going again!

Hi MawBroon, I don't think grannygranby Fri 22-Sep-17 10:01:29 was meant for you read the one at Grandma2213 Fri 22-Sep-17 01:27:16.

How ever if you go to "Note to self" you find all the motivation you'll need to last a life time.

You're not alone though, I hate walking, we say "If the car can't get their then we shall not go", which I know is wrong, so I force my self to walk at around 09:00 each morning, and I'm not a great fan of it.

Audiobooks via audible and free via our local library's electronic download (you can borrow them on your phone for up to 3 weeks)

Both are easy tech-wise ... it's just an app on your phone. Visit the audible site for a free trial - honestly it really is very straighforward with a little help video on youtube if you need it.

My dog gets much longer walks since I started listening to books just because I want to listen to a bit more before I get home and himself starts talking at me again

Wearing a FitBit has helped me. Just started chemotherapy, so it's been even more important to record just how much I'm doing and to bestir myself from the sofa!
I don't like walking groups either - take themselves too seriously! I know what it's like to be caring for a husband full-time as well, and sometimes a walk to the shop is a luxury!

My spur to do more walking was when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. I had gradually become less active over time and after being put on medication for it went for a review with the practice nurse at the doctor's. She reinforced what I really knew ....more exercise..and how walking in particular is beneficial for your general health overall. Once you start doing this regularly you notice the difference not only feeling better but is good for shedding a few extra pounds as well.

I'm not a morning person, either. Fabulous sunrise here today but I still couldn't get up for a walk, having stayed up late watching Outlander. I think it's the result of having to get up so early for work for so many years. Trouble is, I tend to get the munchies whilst watching my box sets and, when I've seen them there is always a repeat of something on BBC4 that I want to watch.

My dog Barney motivates me. If I'm slow getting his lead, I get 'the stare'!

It always works, and we usually walk about 2 miles every morning.

I have the same problem I live in a village and it is not safe to walk along the country roads as the cars go too fast and there are no footpaths. I have a Fitbit Alta and try for 10,000 steps a day wearing my headphones and listening to stories on Audible or music. Sometimes I have daily challenges with my Fitbit friends to get motivation. If the weather is too bad I dance to Magic FM in my kitchen!

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Add comment | Report | Private message grannygranby Fri 22-Sep-17 10:01:29
Get a dog! You'll be fitter and happier and n no time

Yeah, right !
Tell Hattie that!!(19 months old)

Ask one friend if she will help you by doing a fifteen minute walk at your pace and make a firm day or days. You can take the car and dogs to a fav spot , then have a coffee after.

The walk has to be of interest to you.If you live in a scenic area there is something different happening through out the seasons, even on a daily basis, so this should motivate you to get out more. See and enjoy your countryside.

MawBroon, if there's a solution to motivating you I'm sure you'll find it. I consider you very resilient and knowledgeable. I'm lucky enough to have a lovely stretch of river where I live and that is attraction indeed. I do the same circuit pretty much daily. One good hour. My original motivation was fear. I was beginning to see the adverse effect extra weight and sofa surfing was having on my friends when they were poorly and that gave me a jerk start because I was heading in the same way with simple lazy bad habits. So easy isn't it? Further motivation was the arrival of my two grandchildren and I want to be able to run around, play chasey and kick a ball for as long as possible. It has certainly worked for me. I feel so much healthier. It's NEVER easy though. Rubbish at first in fact but gradually it becomes the norm and I now no longer give the reduced food intake or the walking a thought. Maybe I am a robot!!!!

it cant happen, everything depends on your willpower, and with walking you should also do
P90x

Have oxlea woods in shooters hill across the road from where I live have no excuses, now just have to get me boots on and..... ooo escape to the country just come on the tele.

it cant happen, everything depends on your willpower, and with walking you should also do <a href="http://www.agirlwhomakes.com/reviews/p90x/"> P 90X review</a> workout plan it is great

Have you ever tried geocaching? It gets me out and about to places both local and further afield

Get a dog! You'll be fitter and happier and n no time

I don't have a dog which seems like a lot of people's motivation but I do enjoy a walk . I have an MP3 Player and listen to Radio 4. Time really passes quickly when you are listening to the afternoon play, Kitchen Cabinet, The Infinite Monkey Cage and infinitely more. It can be a little embarassing when you are laughing out loud at some comedy programmes such as 'I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue'!

I have a quick 2 mile walk round the village or sometimes take the car to surrounding areas where I touch trees or watch wildlife which definitely makes me feel better. I also enjoy seeing the seasons change, different weather conditions and I take my camera to record them. Those of you with smart phones might use them. Brisk walks with breaks for photos or observation have always felt best.

By the way am I the only one who can not be active in the early morning. I have felt ill at this time since I was a little girl!! Afternoon or especially evening is my time. In my youth I would go for walks in the dark, even midnight but don't have the nerve now!!

So this forum seems to have disappeared off the list.
I feel strangely bereft

barmyoldbat i am with you, any form of exercise is done first thing, then i can get on with my day feeling virtuous!!!!
I do areobics twice a week and walk to town at least twice and walk home with shopping. Have also returned to work one day a week which involves quite a bit of walking and climbing stairs, then there is housework, gardening and bowling. I like my evenings to sit and relax unless i am going out somewhere like i did last night and i am off out bit later tonight so i sat for a rest yesterday afternoon and this afternoon. If i didnt do my active stuff first thing i am sure it wouldnt get done!!

Maw, I tend to do any sort of exercise be it a swim or a walk to the shops first thing in the morning. Anything that needs doing in the house has to wait until later, I also cycle which I must prefer to walking. A bit each day will build up stamina and you will eventually find it easier and you will lose weight as well. Just think ...each morning after breakfast some form of exercise and well done for wanting to do it.

Thought of you Maw wen I went out this afternoon and parked my car at a greater distance than I needed to - see what you have inspired by this thread!