Things You'll Need:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water
- Walkman/MP3 (optional)
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Step 1
Before walking alone consider your route. Is it safe, in a safe area? Is there a lot of vehicular traffic? Sidewalks? Will you be walking during the day or at night? Use common sense. You want to stay visible at night with reflectors on your shoes and light-colored clothing. If you wear headphones make sure what's playing is not so loud you can't hear what's going on around you. Also, let someone, like a friend or spouse, know your route(s).
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Step 2
The sights and sounds on a route can keep the senses alive, like the bustle along city blocks or the activities along a lakeside trail. Headphones with upbeat music can really help keep solo-walkers motivated and energized, walking at a healthy clip.
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Step 3
If you still want that human connection while you're alone, walking CDs can be just the thing for you. You can find and review many of them online. Some play music and have an instructor who occasionally guides you. Other walking CDs have an instructor who takes you through various walking levels and movements.
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Step 4
Take advantage of your alone-time to kick up your routine if you're up to it. Use park or bus benches to tone up your body. Target your biceps, shoulders, chest and upper back with moderate push-ups. Push off the bench backboard for less difficulty, the seat for more. The bench seat also works for dips, isolating your triceps. Tone your lower half by holding the bench backboard and do a set or two of squats. You can also do 10 to 12 walking lunges a couple of times during your walk.
