You want to walk more. You know you’ve enjoyed it before. But when it’s time to put on your shoes, something gets in the way.
Maybe your routine has changed. Maybe you’re starting again after a difficult stretch. Or perhaps you keep telling yourself, “I’ll go later.”
If that sounds familiar, give yourself a simple starting point:
Choose a manageable walk. Then decide when you’ll take it.
That’s your walking Two-Step—two steps toward a healthier you.
Starting Again Is Part of My Story
Walking became an important part of my life after a serious back injury in 2016. Before that injury, I ran. Afterward, I needed a different way to keep moving.
Walking stayed with me through my prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, too.
Those experiences shaped how I think about starting again. I don’t want every walk to become a test of what I used to be able to do. I want it to be something worthwhile I can do today.
If you’re rebuilding your routine, you can take that same approach. Start with your present circumstances and give yourself a next step that feels manageable.
Step One: Choose Your Walk
Before you think about an ambitious goal, ask yourself:
“What walk am I willing and able to take today?”
Your answer might be:
A short walk around the block.
Five minutes on a familiar route.
A comfortable walk with a friend.
A few minutes of walking indoors.
Choose something that fits your current ability, energy, and circumstances. If you have activity restrictions during treatment or recovery, use your care team’s guidance when choosing your walk.
You’re making a decision about today. You can decide what comes next after you’ve taken this step.
Step Two: Give Your Walk a Place in Your Day
Now turn “I’ll walk sometime” into a specific plan.
Try connecting your walk to something already in your routine:
“After breakfast, I’ll put on my shoes and walk for five minutes.”
Or:
“When I finish work, I’ll take a short walk before settling in for the evening.”
You could also put the walk on your calendar. Choose a time you can reasonably protect.
Then make getting started a little easier: leave your walking shoes somewhere you’ll notice them.
Your Two-Step is now clear:
This is the walk I’ll take. This is when I’ll take it.
Notice Your WIN
When you finish, take a moment to ask:
“What made today’s walk worth taking?”
Maybe you enjoyed the fresh air. Maybe you noticed the changing leaves, had a good conversation, or gave yourself a few quiet minutes.
Perhaps your WIN was simply following through.
Write down one sentence in a notebook or walking journal. Time and distance can have their place, but your walking experience includes more than numbers.
And if your plan falls through? Choose your next opportunity. You can begin again without turning a missed walk into a judgment about yourself.
Get a Little Walking Inspiration Every Friday
I created Walking Inspiration Now—WIN because I know what it’s like to need encouragement and a place to start.
WIN is my free Friday email, built around a simple idea:
Two steps toward a healthier you.
Each edition includes:
Your Two-Step: Two simple actions built around one weekly theme.
Did You Know? One interesting, sourced fact.
Easy Health Tip: One practical suggestion you can use that day.
A Little Inspiration: One brief quote with attribution.
Whether you’re starting, restarting, or looking for fresh encouragement, you’re welcome here.
Watch: Need Walking Motivation? Get a WIN Every Friday
In this video, I introduce WIN and the encouragement I want to bring to your inbox each week.
Need Walking Motivation? Get a WIN Every Friday.
Your Next WIN Starts Here
For today, keep it simple:
Choose your walk. Choose your time.
For a little encouragement along the way, join Walking Inspiration Now FREE.
Sign up for your FREE Friday WIN
Because everyone needs a WIN each week!
Walk on,
Frank S. Ring
Author: Walking for Health and Fitness, Fitness Walking and Bodyweight Exercises, Walking Inspiration, Walking Logbook Journal , and Walking Works Blueprint
