11 Walking Resolutions to Kickstart Your Fitness Journey

Are you always putting off getting in shape, telling yourself you’ll start tomorrow or on January 1? It’s time to switch things up and commit to these 11 walking resolutions. These habits are easy to stick to and will give you a head start on achieving your fitness goals.

Set SMART Goals

Instead of setting unrealistic goals, focus on setting SMART goals. Increase your walking duration to a specific time-bound target. This can lower your risk for diseases, improve your mood, and help you lose weight by creating a calorie deficit. Over time, increase the number of weekly walks to boost your step count. The key is to establish a daily exercise routine.

Focus on Nutrition and Daily Movement

• Track your daily caloric intake with tools like MyFitnessPal to maintain a calorie deficit for weight loss and fuel your body for exercise.
• Engage in various forms of exercise you enjoy daily, such as yoga, swimming, or bodyweight circuits, to stay active and work towards your goals.

Create a Weekly Walking Plan

Develop a weekly walking plan that includes long walks, interval sessions, strength training, or yoga to add variety, address weaknesses, and keep things interesting. Tracking your weekly mileage helps monitor progress and prevent injuries.

Build an Indoor Workout Space

Set up an indoor workout space with basic equipment like a yoga mat, hand weights, or even a treadmill and workout videos to ensure you can exercise even when unable to go outdoors.

Find a Training Partner

Having a workout buddy can keep you motivated and accountable on days when you lack motivation. Consider joining a walking club or exercising with a friend or family member, including your furry friend.

Challenge Yourself with Walking Events

Push yourself beyond your limits by participating in walking events like 10Ks or marathons to set ambitious goals and test your capabilities.

Enhance Your Walking Performance

Improve your walking performance by increasing your cadence and distance or trying walking with weights. Strengthen neglected muscle groups like the core and glutes through yoga, bodyweight exercises, or gym workouts.

Stay Active Throughout the Day

Incorporate short 10-minute walks throughout the day to boost your step count, burn calories, and improve overall health. Regular movement can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular-related diseases and support weight loss goals.

Embrace the Psychological Benefits of Walking

Experience the psychological benefits of walking by having meditative walks once or twice a week, focusing on nature and eliminating distractions to enhance your mental well-being.

Explore New Locations for Fresh Workouts

Combat workout boredom by exploring new trails or parks for your walking routine. Venturing into unfamiliar locations not only makes your workout more exciting but also helps you stay engaged.

Prioritize Recovery for Optimal Performance

Ensure proper recovery by incorporating stretching, icing, and adequate sleep into your routine. A balanced diet and quality sleep are crucial for optimal performance and injury prevention.

This article was originally published in December 2019 and updated in December 2025