Walking is one of the best things you can do to improve both your physical and mental health. It is a simple, low-impact form of exercising that is extremely easy to do.
What about when the winter comes around? Sometimes the conditions can be perfect, making a beautiful scenic walk, but that is not always the case. The temperature can drop sometimes going below freezing. We can even get snowstorms or even sleet coupled with heavy winds. All of these conditions do not make walking outside reasonable or safe.
So how can you make walking work in the winter? Read on to see just how you can get 10,000 steps or more in the winter. Here’s how:
Find a treadmill or a walking pad
If you go to a gym, using a treadmill is one of the easiest ways to get your steps in. You can walk for as long as you want since gyms typically provide a sufficient number as treadmills are one of the most popular cardio machines used. You do not have to worry about getting bored since most gyms have TVs that you can tune your headphones to. You could also listen to your favorite music or podcast. Many people also keep themselves entertained by watching movies or shows while they walk. It doesn’t take much effort, and you can surprisingly take a lot of steps in the comfort of a warm indoor gym.
Another investment that is worthwhile to make is purchasing a walking pad. It is very similar to a treadmill, but much smaller, affordable, and easier to access. You can put your walking pad anywhere. You can put it in your bedroom to get steps while watching TV. Some people put it under a standing desk to get steps while working during the day.
Outdoor and Indoor Tracks
If you still want to get outside and go for a walk, I strongly suggest choosing a running track at a local school or an athletic club. It is much safer because you do not have to worry about any traffic, and the conditions are typically much safer on a track. Also, the snow melts quicker which helps you avoid the risk of ice. Also, some gyms or athletic clubs have indoor tracks that you can use if you want to stay warm and avoid the harsh winter weather.
Malls that open early
Not many people know about this, but some shopping malls open up early (before the retail stores open) and allow people to walk laps around the facility in the morning. This is super convenient, because the weather does not matter and it is a big, open space to get your steps in. You can bring a couple of friends with you to prevent boredom. Water and bathrooms are typically accessible making it very convenient.
While a much smaller footprint than a mall, grocery stores or big box stores can also be alternative options for safe indoor walking. Those with mobility issues can even brace themselves with shopping carts for their safety as this Power Step article states.
The Next Goal
What if school districts start opening their schools earlier to allow people to walk the halls in the mornings during the winter? This would be another convenient option as many people tend to live very close to their schools. For an example, our middle/high school could start opening at 6:00 am and stay open for public walkers until 7:00 am, which is a half-hour before school starts. As long as some of the district members are present this would be an incredible, beneficial idea.
Be safe as you walk, and consider some of these ideas.
