How to Walk 5 Miles a Day Without Trying

Walking is healthy, invigorating and fun. The activity can also help you lose weight, keep muscles active and even lead to some introspective meditation. With a little determination, you can easily walk 5 miles a day without trying. Before long you’ll see the pounds slide off, muscle tone improve and your attitude soar to the skies. Read on to find out how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pedometer

1. Get a pedometer, otherwise you won’t know when you hit the 5 mile mark. The device need not be fancy. You can find one for as little as $3 at some chain superstores. Set the pedometer up for your pace and set the mode to number of steps, not miles. Five miles is roughly 10,000 steps.
2. Ditch your car. For shorter errands or a quick jaunt for a cup of coffee, try walking instead of driving. You might even save time since you no longer have to circle the world looking for a parking space.
3. If you must drive, park as far away from the door as possible. No, you don’t have to go for the next time zone, but do pick a spot in the back of the lot.
4. Get off your duff. Some activities, like talking on the phone or waiting on a train platform, are great chances to get some extra steps in. Also try getting up from your desk at least once every hour to walk around the office. Take something to the mail room. Deliver a message in person rather than e-mail.
5. Enjoy an evening or morning stroll. You’ll be amazed at how many steps you can pack into a 15 minute walk. If you don’t have 15 minutes, try three 5 minute walks. Everyone can find 5 minutes.
6. Get a dog. Nothing forces you to walk more than a puppy face begging you to take him out.

Tips & Warnings

• Since pedometers are fastened on your belt area, take care when you go to the bathroom. Many a pedometer has been ruined from falling in the toilet.
• If your pedometer does fall in the toilet, don’t try to flush it. Remove it, rinse it, open it up and use a blow dryer on the inside pieces.
• Get a buddy to embark on this walking goal with you. Competition breeds motivation.
• If you get to 5 miles too easily, go for 7 miles, or 10.
• Don’t get discouraged. If you don’t make your 5 mile mark one day, don’t throw the pedometer in the toilet on purpose. Just come up with other creative ways to steal a few steps into your daily routine.
• Don't check the calorie count option on the pedometer. It will make you frustrated. You're going for number of steps here, number of steps.
• Don’t check the pedometer every three minutes. Do a midday check to see how far you’ve come and how much more you should walk that day, but don’t become obsessed with it.
• Walking, and counting steps, is highly addictive! Enjoy!