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When I first started my weight loss journey, I knew I needed to move my body, but like most people, the idea of doing intense workouts felt... intimidating. Running, cycling, even jogging, they all seemed like too much, and I definitely didn't want to be in a gym.
So I chose something simple: walking.
Why I Chose Walking
I didn’t want a fitness routine that required a gym membership or a complicated schedule. I just needed something I could actually stick to, and walking fit right into my life without overwhelming it.
It wasn’t physically exhausting like some other forms of cardio. It didn’t disrupt my day. It was just me, my shoes, and the sidewalks I had driven past a hundred times but never truly seen.
Eventually, those quiet walks became something more. Not just a tool for burning calories, but a ritual I looked forward to, time for myself, to listen, to breathe, to move through the world slowly and with intention.
Where I Walked (And What Made It Special)
At first, I just walked the familiar routes: my neighborhood, a short nearby trail. But then I started to explore.
I walked beside busy roads, across tucked-away neighborhoods, and eventually into our town square, stopping into local shops like the record store I now love.
It wasn’t just movement, it was discovery.
Along the way, I started taking pictures on my phone of things that caught my eye, street corners I’d never noticed before, old fences and even gates that I would have never noticed if I had just driven by. It became a quiet ritual, to move, observe, and document the beauty of ordinary things.
What I Listened To
Everyone’s different, but for me, it was true crime podcasts that made the time pass quickly. I’d put on Eleanor Neale on Spotify and be completely pulled into the story, barely noticing how many steps I had taken.
If you prefer music, that works too, something that energizes or calms you, whatever gets you into a rhythm that feels good.
Essentials I Brought With Me
Here are the items that made my walks easier and more enjoyable (and yes, I still use these today):
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Walking Shoes
Walking far in the wrong shoes is a recipe for blisters and regret (just ask my feet after Las Vegas). These shoes feel like walking on clouds, great cushioning, breathable, and I haven’t had to replace them once.
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Fitbit
A must have to accurately track your steps. Shows distance, time, steps, and heart rate, then saves that information for later viewing on the app to see how many calories you burned that day, week, or month. -
AirPods Pro 2
I love these because of the transparency mode, it makes you feel like you’re not even wearing earphones. You can still hear what’s around you while listening to music or podcasts, which is great for safety. -
Water Bottle
I used a Stanley with a handle from a family member, kept my water cold and was easy to carry. Any bottle works, just make sure you stay hydrated, especially in warmer weather.
My Advice If You’re Just Starting
Set a small step goal at first. If you’re not used to moving much, there’s no need to hit 10,000 steps right away. Start with what’s doable, and increase it gradually.
You’ll notice:
- Less sweating
- Better stamina
- A sense of calm you didn’t expect
For me, the hardest part wasn’t the walk, it was starting the walk. I was nervous walking around town by myself. I’m introverted, and before this, I took my car everywhere.
But once I got past that first step, I realized how freeing it was. No pressure. No gym mirrors.
Just me, a podcast, and the open path ahead. And for more on how I did it in my weight loss journey, look into my A Guide to Sustainable Weight Loss.
Final Thoughts
If you’re like I was, unsure where to start or afraid of doing something “wrong”, know this:
You already walk every day. This is just a more intentional version of it.
You don’t need fancy plans or intense workouts to begin.
Just one step. Then another. And another.
Eventually, you’ll look back and realize you weren’t just walking through your town,
you were walking into a new version of yourself.