How I Stay Motivated to Walk

Good morning, walkers! I hope you've been keeping up with your goals for Walk Kansas better than I have.

The weather lately has been so beautiful that it's almost a crime to stay inside to exercise. However, I'm going to share a tip today that has helped me keep walking when all other methods have failed.

I don't like to exercise. I love to play volleyball or play in the lake or a pool, but when it comes to planned walking or biking or weightlifting or whatever- I won't do it. I'd much rather sit on the couch, watch TV, and eat a bunch of crap.

Several years ago, my husband and I bought a treadmill, in the hopes that at least one of us would start using it. I started out with the best of intentions, but after a few weeks it sat lonely in the corner of the room. It was just too boring to walk aimlessly on a treadmill. Meanwhile, I kept spending time on the couch in front of the TV.

We decided to splurge and order a second DVR box for the room with the treadmill. I started recording all the silly shows I like to watch (that my husband won't)- and the only way I could watch them was in this room, on the treadmill. The shows were mostly 45 minutes after fast-forwarding through the commercials, and it occupied my mind enough that I didn't get bored walking. I actually started to look forward to it!

I'd rather be one of those people who can walk outside in the sunshine, with headphones on, but I just get too bored. And it's not always easy to schedule time to walk with a friend- I have to squeeze it walking in where I can. At least I'm walking, even if it's indoors. This method has kept me walking for two years now, and typically I walk 3-4 times per week, for 45 minutes each time.

This spring & summer, I'm going to try using audio books on my iPod and walking outside. We'll see if it holds my interest as much as Law & Order and Gossip Girl.

What secret tips help keep you motivated to walk?