Keep these basic walking tips in mind to stay motivated and make daily walking a regular part of your life.

• Wear your pedometer all day, every day.
• Keep a log of your daily activity.
• Congratulate yourself when you meet your goals.
• Don’t become frustrated if you don’t meet your goals.
• Walk with another person, a group or a pet.
• Stretch before and after walking.
• Wear comfortable and well-fitted running shoes.
• Listen to your body and don’t over-exert yourself.
• Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after walking.
• If your goal is to lose weight, you may need to build up to 12,000-15,000 steps a day.
• Change your route to add variety to your walking.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Park at the back of the parking lot instead of the front.
• Everywhere you go, walk faster than normal.
• If the weather conditions are extreme, try using a treadmill, an indoor track, or a shopping mall.
• Schedule a time to walk and record it in your calendar.
• Set the alarm one hour earlier and go for a walk.
• Try using part of your lunch hour to squeeze in a walk.
• Never pass up an opportunity to walk!
• Remember - walking should be a fun and relaxing activity to enjoy alone, or with family and friends.

Reference: Walk4Life, Inc.: Plainfield, IL (2005). "A Walker's12-Week Log"