Help me to enjoy walking

Sago I do have some arthritis in my toes so find it painful. I just find I get really hot and bored. My family all walk much faster than me so I'm always lagging behind

Allsorts

I need to walk, dread the day I can’t.

Me too.

Biscuitmuncher you recently started a thread on this subject as you said your husband wanted to walk and you didn’t.

I think it would help of you tried to analyse what aspects of walking you dislike.

Is it the exertion, being alone with your thoughts, the time constraints, do you find it physically difficult?

It’s the best exercise, it’s free, the more you do it the easier it becomes, you see so much on foot, it’s good thinking time,

Try a few short walks with a purpose, a smart watch or phone app is great to count your steps, set achievable aims and attempt to extend your steps.

I need to walk, dread the day I can’t.

I listened to a podcast recently that stated walking and/or other exercise of course was better at preserving brain function than reading, learning new languages etc. All to do with the uptake of oxygen to the brain!

I find walking so boring. I can always think of better things I could be doing - reading, gardening, knitting, cooking. Though to be fair, that applies to all exercise! I do a work out routine and all the time I’m thinking that I could be doing something productive instead.

Biscuitmuncher

AGAA4 A beach walk would be nice shame I live near Coventry, lol

I'm sure there are some nice walks around your area. Doesn't have to be a beach. A park or anywhere with greenery is great for a walk but I know some people just don't enjoy walking. Not for everyone.

Being a 'not walker' I try to set myself an interesting route with lots of flowers, trees, old buildings, birds, park etc so there is something to see. I time myself at 45 minutes and then return. If I feel like doing more then I push it to an hour and maybe have a cuppa on the way if there is somewhere open. It's about making it worthwhile and the benefits are amazing - sleep, digestive issues resolved, blood supply fed around the body, sense of achievement if you keep a list of where you have walked, etc. You have to take ownership to make it meaningful to you and that is coming from me, one of the laziest people around. Also, right shoes, right socks, right everything to make it comfortable for you.

I m with you biscuit I do walk but don’t enjoy ‘just walking’ for no reason I find it boring I m ok walking from a to b for a purpose but just ‘going for a walk’ doesn’t do it for me except on the beach when I m looking for lovely stones

Not a fan of pavement walking and much prefer the open countryside but not everyone has that nearby. When I walk
Into town I tell myself it’s good for me, as of course it is.

I am currently reading 52 ways to walk by Annabel Streets. I am learning on every page and am walking, breathing and looking differently after tless than a week. I recommend it to everyone.

AGAA4 A beach walk would be nice shame I live near Coventry, lol

Find somewhere interesting to walk in the countryside or on a beach and look around you. I feel so much better after an hour walking in those places. I never walk along pavements to the shops. Too boring.

I find listening to podcasts helps with walking, I walk for an hour a day but don't notice the time.

I don't listen to music but upbeat music may help you too.

I’m not a natural walker, but I’ve had DD2’s little dog this week and have really enjoyed taking him out late evenings. We go 9ish and get back at dusk, having seen deer and a barn owl. He loves it too, as he’s a Town dog - I don’t want another dog, but I’ll try and keep up some walking until he comes to stay again at the end of July.
It’s hard to get motivated without a companion of some sort IMO.

I love walking but my mobility is quite badly impaired. I set myself a target of lamp posts past and I feel good when I exceed my target. I have to remember to save some energy for the walk home too. I know that doesn’t help much with your problem but I think it’s a question of motivation. I’m trying to hang on to the functionsI have and maybe improve on them. I like to really look at my surroundings as I walk, I’ve discovered some interesting buildings and bits of local history too.

I think the key to enjoying walking is comfy footwear.

I love walking but it's more about where I walk than the actual walking. tbh I don't think I'd enjoy walking into town if it meant being on a pavement next to a busy road. However, a brisk walk should get your endorphins going but you need to keep going for at least 30 minutes and it does need to be a fairly energetic walk. I like to use the time walking to think about anything that needs thinking about, others listen to podcasts or audio books but I like to enjoy some quiet time, preferably in pleasant surroundings, love listening to the birds and watching the sky. If you do more you might find it "grows" on you.

I’m glad I’m not alone 😂