Walking is one of the best exercises you can do. It costs nothing, it is low impact, and you can start at your own pace. That is why it is often the first exercise people choose when deciding to get healthy. However, it is also extremely easy to skip it. We all know the excuses, “I'm tired”, “Cindy called and wants to get together”, “I don't have time”, “it's too cold”, and so many more. We stop walking, it gets away from us. Then we get that urge again, that little tickle that says you have to get up and exercise and we start thinking about walking again.

Starting Your Routine Over

Sometimes it seems like starting over is harder than it was to begin in the first place. Often there is excitement over starting a new exercise program. We set the date as to when we will begin, we let everyone know we are getting our health back. Occasions such as New Years, birthdays, springtime, and fall. The excitement keeps you motivated for a time and then well life gets in the way.

It is harder to start again. Often you already feel like you failed. Perhaps you don't want to tell your family and friends that you are starting again because you already started it before and didn't follow through. Well throw that thinking out. You don't have to start over, just pick up where you left off. That is the wonderful thing about walking. You just step out and do it.

If it has been awhile since your last walk, just stroll. Enjoy the outdoors, the music on your treadmill, or the video in your DVD player. Just start again, wherever you can. You did not fail, you walk all the time, you just need to walk a little further, with more purpose. Once you take away the negative feelings and just pick up where you left off, you're at it again.

Motivation

If you need a little more motivation set up a couple of small rewards. Set your goal and each time you succeed give yourself something special that you have been wanting. That way you have two reasons to get up and get out for a walk. Your reward should be a special treat, not something that can happen everyday. That way it actually keeps you motivated to reach your goals.

Remember just because you haven't walked in a while doesn't mean you can't put those sneakers on and take a leisurely stroll around the block. The next time you can go a little further or a little fast, at your pace, when you are ready.

Let me know what you find to be the most difficult part of starting your routine over and visit us in the forums. We all would love to hear your struggles and your triumphs.