| Walking is a wonderful activity - it provides | | | | harder to walk, just because it's much harder to |
| moderate, relatively gentle exercise and it's very | | | | motivate yourself to get up and go. Dressing |
| inexpensive. You just need your own two feet! | | | | appropriately can make walking in both |
| Walking helps to keep your blood circulating, | | | | temperature ranges much more comfortable. |
| bringing nutrients where they need to be and | | | | When you're walking in very hot weather, wear |
| helping your body eliminate what it doesn't need. | | | | cool, looser-fitting clothing that will breathe. A lot |
| An evening walk is a great idea all around - but | | | | of fitness clothing is made from synthetic fibers |
| what do you do when the weather doesn't | | | | that tout all kinds of benefits, but cotton still |
| cooperate? | | | | breathes very well and is a completely natural |
| Staying Inside | | | | fiber. Decide what works best for you. |
| An obvious option is to stay inside with a treadmill. | | | | Research is showing that highly supportive shoes |
| A treadmill just isn't as enjoyable as being able to | | | | may not actually be very good for feet - so |
| get out and walk, see the sights, and breath the | | | | especially in the hot summer month you may |
| fresh air as you walk. But it's an effective way to | | | | want to seek out a lighter, flat soled alternative. |
| get your blood going when you're in the house | | | | There are many shoes designed to simulate being |
| because of bad weather. | | | | barefoot while providing protection from concrete |
| Treadmills can actually be nice - on high quality | | | | and trails. The Vibram Five Finger is one example. |
| models you can set resistance and incline to | | | | Cooler, minimal shoes will keep you much more |
| simulate walking on a hill and higher ground, which | | | | comfortable as you walk. |
| can give you a more effective workout. | | | | A lot of people keep walking in cold weather - |
| Other Indoor Options | | | | even through snow and ice. Chances are you're |
| If you keep an eye on the weather reports for | | | | going to need more substantial shoes in this |
| the day or week you can get a good idea on | | | | weather! Dress warmly and in layers. It won't |
| what the weather will do on a given day. If you | | | | take many walks for you to figure out how |
| know there's going to be a lot of rain or snow | | | | many layers you need to be comfortable. You |
| you can plan to walk at an indoor facility. | | | | may be surprised just how warm you get walking |
| Many shopping malls open early in the morning for | | | | during the winter! |
| walkers, and even have helpful signs posted to | | | | It is recommended that even if you find you |
| show you distance markers. Check with your local | | | | need lighter clothing that you keep your skin |
| mall to see if they welcome walkers. | | | | covered as much as possible. So if you find you |
| The local gym is another obvious option. Most | | | | want shorts, do wear leggings over your legs. A |
| larger gyms and health clubs have an indoor track | | | | scarf over your face is a good idea, too. This is |
| that's comfortable to walk on. | | | | because the winter wind and cold saps moisture |
| Even if you don't have anywhere you can really | | | | from your skin and can cause a lot of |
| walk, you can still find opportunities for more | | | | uncomfortable dryness. It's good to minimize this |
| movement in the house or other buildings. Take | | | | by keeping your skin covered. |
| the stairs - and even walk up and down the stairs | | | | Remember traditional alternatives for walking |
| several times. Get up and make a big meal in the | | | | exist in both summer and winter - both seasons |
| kitchen - you'll be back and forth quite a bit as | | | | represent a great time to try something new. In |
| you take care of the preparations. Get all the | | | | the summer, you can ride your bike or go for a |
| laundry taken care of or do some of those bigger | | | | swim. In the winter, you can snowshoe or try |
| chores you've been putting off - vacuuming, | | | | your hand at cross-country skiing. In mild areas |
| washing the inside of the windows, etc. | | | | you can bike all winter long. |
| A final option, of course, is just to walk in the rain. | | | | The weather doesn't have to stop you from |
| If the weather is warm and the rain is a light | | | | getting your daily walk in. Remember that |
| drizzle, this is completely possible - and may even | | | | moderate walking is a natural form of physical |
| be enjoyable. | | | | activity that's great for your health and improves |
| Hot and Cold Weather | | | | your outlook on life. |
| When the weather is very hot or very cold it's | | | | |