Walk with Walgreens - Daily Steps to Health

Are you ready?  Let’s get walking!  It’s easy, doesn’t require a trainer, special equipment or clothes and won’t cost you a penny.  The benefits include a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and other illnesses. Walkers also tend to live a longer, healthier and more active life in their old age than their couch potato friends. So what are you waiting for?

For years I made excuses for why I wasn’t exercising: “It will make me tired, and I am already exhausted,” “how will I fit it in?” I’ve always had a demanding schedule and for years I woke up before dawn to do Good Morning America so I wondered how I would be able to find the time to fit fitness into my life. But after having three babies, I was close to 50 pounds overweight and needed to take action, lose the weight and regain control.

Little by little I started walking and putting gym time back into my life by setting short attainable goals… don’t think you can start by running a marathon! With small steps, I was inspired and empowered and began to build on my successes.

Surprisingly, I found that as I got active I had more energy as opposed to feeling tired. I simply made my health a priority and scheduled in walks like business appointments. I learned to “plan ahead” and get my workout in early so I wouldn’t be testing my will power. I’ll often put on workout clothes first thing in the morning because once “in costume,” I’m much more inclined to hit the pavement.

Whether you work out earlier in the morning, during a lunch break, or at the end of your day, it only matters that you find a way to get it done. We have seven days in a week; we can find the time to go out and take a power walk!

For motivation, put some fast-paced music on your iPod, or bring a friend along (Two legged or four legged!) At home I enjoy scavenger hunts with my kids and at my office I rally my colleagues to take the long route to our lunchtime deli.  Somehow it’s always easier when you create a buddy system!

Now its time to get moving! Make changes one at a time, set small goals, and soon walks will become part of your daily routine.  If I can do it with my busy lifestyle, anyone can!