New Tips for “making walking a habit”

80 percent of us drop our fitness resolutions by early February

• The founder of one of the UK’s leading health charities is sharing her five brand new tips for making walking a habit 
• Research conducted by YouGov* shows that by the second week in February, 80% of us have thrown in the towel, particularly in relation to fitness goals. 
• But Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of health charity Walk the Walk has the perfect solution for us all – make walking part of your life! 

Nina’s new tips for making walking a habit:-

1.  Put a walk in your diary! 
Having a routine, no matter how small, makes it easier to turn going for a walk into a habit.  Pick a time of day which suits you best and add it into your diary as an appointment. 

2. Plan several walking routes for different distances and times
Whether you have time for a quick ten- minute walk or a longer session, having different routes planned means you will always know where you are going, how far and for how long

3. Have suitable comfortable clothing and shoes for any weather
Never let the weather stop you walking. The weather doesn’t change the impact a walk can have – some of the worst weather days can deliver the best walks! 

4. Invest in a tracking device or app
A device or app which can track your walking steps and distance each day can be really motivating, tracking how far you go each day and helping you watch your progress. 

5. Every step counts! 
Whether you walk one mile, or the distance from your desk to the kettle to make a tea – engage your core, allow your shoulders to relax and think about your posture! 

Nina’s tips are backed up by Public health expert Prof Nick Cavill, who is a huge advocate for physical activity including walking:-

“I’m often asked about what I think is the best exercise. My reply is that it’s the exercise you will do every day and keep doing for life. For most people that is walking – for fun, for relaxation, for exercise or for transport.

“Walking for half an hour a day is associated with improvements in over 20 health conditions, from reducing the risk of heart disease and some cancers to improving mental health and wellbeing.

“So, if you’ve ditched the New Year’s fitness resolutions, try the most natural exercise around – walking!”

*YouGov 2017