How’s the weather where you are?
It’s hard to complain about the weather here in Southern California, but my gosh it’s been cold. California Cold, of course, but when we have ice, hail, and snow on the local mountains, it’s cold for us.
Add in weeks of rain, and you get grumpy Californians who never get outside to walk!
My steps have been down, but luckily I have a step counter to keep me honest with myself. Then, I just have to be creative…
Five tips to walk more when the weather says you can’t
Walk when you can
This is NOT the time of year for planned walks, because the weatherman is rarely accurate to the minute! If I see a break in the clouds, I make a run for it. Or at least a walk for it!
Be okay with wet (and cold)
I’m sure most of you non-Californians have already made peace with rain, snow, or humidity, but we’re spoiled. Or we were. You can laugh at me, but I’m doing my best to allow myself to actually touch the weather for once!
Gear up
I don’t have rain gear because it doesn’t rain much (or for long) around here. BUT, I do have snow gear from visits to the mountains and cold vacations, so I dug it out and used it. Surprise, this jacket keeps me dry AND warm! I never realized how my better walking in a jacket is compared to walking with an umbrella.
Go somewhere
When it’s summer here, it’s hot, and I often tell people to go to the mall to walk. A friend’s daughter just told me she was going to the mall with her friends because they felt trapped in the house by the rain. I should have thought of that.
Malls, big box stores, museums, and even Ikea are great places to get in some steps. And meatballs.
Walk more often, even if you can’t walk more
Even with the first four tips, you still might find yourself with fewer steps than other times of the year. That’s okay. Do your best, and just move more OFTEN.
What? More often?
Yep. Getting up to move around has huge metabolic and physiological benefits. In fact, moving just 5 minutes every 30 can improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity by 20%. That’s huge.
At home all it takes is getting up and walking around the house, cleaning, changing the laundry.
At work, you can go grab a new cup of coffee, empty your trash can, go outside for five minutes of actual air and natural light.
Have a drink of water, hit the bathroom, and stretch a bit, then relax knowing that it’s not always about moving more, but moving more often!
Walk more, more often, or both
How about 10 more great tips to get outside this season?
Get the tips here or with the button below.
Articles, references, and links
5-minute breaks for health and productivity by Roland Denzel
American Diabetes Association –doi: 10.2337/dc11-1931
Really enjoyed this blog article. Really thank you! Much obliged. Kori Jocko Rockie
I’m so glad. Thanks for stopping by, Kori!
I don’t have transportation, so walking is the only way to go. I live in Chicago so it gets pretty cold here. I try to walk as much as I can every day, but it’s not always easy. Your walking tips are very helpful. Thank you for the great ideas.
It’s nearly impossible to find educated people about this subject, however, you sound
like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks