Get your walking boots on and hit your nearest trail over the long weekend. 

Fitness is about more than keeping up regular trips to the gym. It’s about creating a lifestyle that actively supports and maintains a healthy body. One of the best ways to start making your life a little more active is to take up walking. Walking is amazing exercise and a great way to get outside and experience nature. It can also have a significant impact on mental and emotional health. You might hear walking in nature referred to as hiking, rambling, and trekking, and although they have specific definitions the most important thing is to pick a route within your ability and simply get moving.

Here are my top tips to get you pounding the trail this weekend.

Choose the Right Equipment

Good walking boots will change your life. Proper support and protection can turn walking from a blister-riddled chore into a pleasant stroll. You can often pick up walking boots and walking trainers for a reasonable price or second hand, so don’t worry about spending a fortune on your first few walks. Just pick something solid and reliable. Waterproofs, layers, a hat, and a small backpack for carrying essentials should also be part of your walking kit.

Start Small

You may dream of walking up a mountain but I wouldn’t recommend you start there. Plan out a small route that you can tackle in an hour or less. It will give you a good taste of what you can expect from longer walks and help to start moving all the right muscles. And always plan out your route ahead of time – you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without 4G or a single clue as to how to get back to your car. There are a huge amount of walking resources online, so get searching.

Be Prepared

Channel your inner boy (or girl) scout and make sure you’re carrying everything you need to keep you safe and healthy on your hike. This should include water, a small snack, sun protection, and a basic first aid kit. Longer and more complex walks may see you carrying walking poles, a GPS tracker, and a water filter.

Take Your Time

There are no prizes for speed when it comes to walking, and the point is to enjoy the experience. Instead, take your time, look at what you see around you and enjoy the experience of being outdoors. It really is good for your soul, so take the time to appreciate those impressive views or simply the peace and quiet.

Ready to head out there? I hope so. Walking is a fantastic (and pretty inexpensive) hobby that almost everyone can enjoy. If you’re looking to improve your overall fitness or perhaps build up to some more challenging hikes, FitFusion PT can help. Book in for some one to one time with our awesome personal trainers or come along to one of our group classes. You will be tackling that mountain before you know it!

Next week, I will be talking all things kettlebell, along with some simple exercises to get the most out of this effective bit of equipment. Until then, stay amazing.