walk with friends

Recharge your batteries by walking with others

walk with friends

Having company helps to keep you motivated, especially when it comes to exercising. The easiest way to get a group going is to simply mention it; talk it over with family, friends and neighbors, and use social media, like Facebook and Twitter. You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you find out just how many people are eager to put on their sneakers and go out for a walk. Get together to find a time and place to meet, discuss what other options are available when the weather isn’t so great, and set the pace and distance to be covered; share email addresses and phone numbers. This is rather important if you want to avoid misunderstandings, turning an otherwise fun and healthy activity into a source of conflict with friends or family.

By now you should be aware that walking, which is available to practically everyone and doesn’t require neither special abilities nor equipment, has become the most popular form of physical exercise in many countries, thanks in large part to its sociability. Why not take advantage of this time to catch up with friends you only see on weekends? Or share some quality time with your children or nieces and nephews? Walking alongside someone is a great source of support, as well as a perfect way to stay committed to health and exercise goals. Take a look at all the benefits you’ll get from walking in the company of others:

-Motivation.

-Commitment.

-Safety.

-Socialization.

Perhaps recruiting coworkers is a more convenient option. Ask your boss if it’s all right to organize a small and friendly competition; for instance, a pedometer challenge. The prize could be a small trophy, lunch or just plain and simple bragging rights. Appeal to the argument of exercise and competition as promoters of employee health and productivity. There isn’t a boss that can argue with that line of reasoning.

One thing is for sure: your group will require a certain degree of flexibility if it’s going to skip over the obstacles that may arise, such as work schedules, kid activities, sickness. If you have put together a large number of people, it might be more functional to break it up into smaller groups based on fitness level, goals, availability, or other factors. At the same time, keep in mind that gaps in fitness levels can be a good source of motivation: those whom are behind will try to catch up with the strongest, while the latter will feel useful to others. The group acts as a wall of support when things, for whatever reason, get difficult. Motivation is the key to committing to health and long-term fitness goals.

Once your group routine has been established, look for ways to keep things interesting and emphasize motivation. Give the routine a name, take part in charity walks, or set targets for longer, more intense walks.
You’ll soon realize how good vibes and shared success are stepping stones on the way to good health.

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