The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Summer Walking

This post is part of our Summer of Simple Walking series. Check out the intro post
for more information and links to other helpful posts.

I love summer. I really do. I love the sunshine. I love the long days. I love going to the beach. I love spontaneous evenings on the patio with friends. I love going on adventures with my kid.

But I’ll be honest: it’s not always easy to stay motivated during the summer.

For most of us, we start out with the best of intentions: I’m going to go for a walk every day. I’m going to drink more water. And I’m going to love every minute of it.

But here’s the thing: summer is hard. And messy. And complicated.

You may start with goals and plans, but then reality hits.
You summer schedule turns chaotic.
You go on vacation.
Your evenings fill up.
And those pleasantly cool early-summer mornings give way to 90 degrees and humid.

And before you know it, you find yourself sticking to your air-conditioned home (or office) instead of heading out to sweat on the trail.

But this summer, we’re focusing on keeping our walking simple. So the good news for my fellow lazy girls is that you don’t always need to push yourself to go on a long, sweaty walk to enjoy the benefits of a summer walk. You don’t need an intense routine. You don’t need to stick to any specific guidelines.

It doesn’t need to be hard. Or uncomfortable. Or complicated.

It’s okay to be a little lazy.

Rule #1: Short Walks Count

I know I’m starting to sound like a broken record (for those of you who even know what that means). But you don’t have to walk five miles a day—or an hour every day—for it to count as a “real” walk. Sometimes—especially during busy, unpredictable seasons—that’s just not in the cards.

A 10-minute walk still counts! Sometimes all you can manage is a quick walk around the block after dinner. Or a walk around the house while you’re on the phone. Or some other quick Walking Snack.

Your walking routine doesn’t need to be perfect. It doesn’t need to be all-or-nothing. Because 10 minutes is way better than nothing.

Rule #2: Avoid Peak Heat Like It’s Your Job

I’m pretty sure that everyone has been hit by ridiculous heat and humidity lately. Every day, my computer informs me that we’re under another heat advisory. Nobody wants to go outside for a walk in that. And the good news is: you don’t have to.

If it’s insanely hot outside…if the humidity is off the charts…don’t venture out. You do not have to suffer heat stroke to prove that you’re serious about your walking routine.

If it’s unbearable outside…
Go later.
Go earlier.
Go indoors.

Make a backup plan for times when it’s just too hot to walk outside—whether it’s a walk-at-home video, a walk on the treadmill, mall walking, or even just 10 minutes of laps around the house.

You’ll find it’s a whole lot easier to keep up your walking routine if you’re not miserable.

Rule #3: Romanticize It a Little

These days, influencers are all about romanticizing the most mundane tasks. And while I tend to do the opposite of what influencers think is cool, I’m all in favor of romanticizing your walk a little bit. After all, keeping up your routine is way easier when it feels…luxurious.

Make your walk fancy by:
– sipping a refreshing iced coffee
– listening to a fun playlist or a favorite podcast
– wearing something comfy (or fun)
– going on a sunset stroll

It’s easier to keep up those daily walks if they feel like a treat.

Rule #4: Walking Snacks Add Up

When life gets hectic, Walking Snacks are your secret weapon.

You may not have an hour to go on a long summer walk, but there’s a good chance that you’ve got a few short openings in your day. You can fit in a quick Snack while preparing dinner. You can walk while waiting for practice to end. You can walk around the house while listening to one of your favorite songs. You can even walk up and down the stairs at the office between meetings.

Before you know it, those short walks will add up to a whole lot of steps.

Rule #5: Tack a Walk onto Your Daily Tasks

A walk doesn’t have to be work. You don’t have to schedule time or go out of your way to go for a walk. Nobody has that kind of time every day.

Instead, make your walks work for you.

You’re already taking the kids to their favorite park. While you’re there, walk laps around the playground instead of sitting on a bench, scrolling social media.

You’re already running errands. While you’re out, make a few more laps around the store. Park at the far end of the parking lot. Maybe circle the parking lot once or twice.

You’re not going to skip your morning coffee. So while you’re enjoying your coffee, go for a walk.

The easier it is to fit in a walk, the more likely you are to stick with it.

Rule #6: Lower the Bar

People tend to give up on their New Year’s resolutions because they set unreasonable goals. People give up on their walking routines for the same reason.

Instead of giving up, you just need to lower your expectations—and the pressure.

Right now, we’re going with consistency over intensity, so stick with goals that are achievable—like one walk every day, a minimum of just 10 minutes.

You can raise the bar again once summer is over. For now, stick to something that’s manageable in the midst of the summer chaos.

Rule #7: Make It Your Self-Care

Summer can be chaotic. It’s a time of year when you need a little extra self-care. And if you follow my tips for making walks feel more like “me time,” your daily walks won’t feel like a chore. They’ll feel more like that much-needed self-care.

Summer walks can be your way to take a break from the busyness—from everyone needing something from you. They can be your time to breathe, to think, to be alone—or to laugh and catch up with a friend.

I’ve often said that I walk just as much (if not more) for my mental health as my physical health. And during the crazy summer months, it’s important to fit in some time for yourself.

Rule #8: Don’t Wait for Motivation

During the summer, you can’t rely on motivation to get you moving. You just need to make walking a habit—something that’s just a regular part of your day.

Instead of waiting until you feel like walking, make a point of finding the time—even if it’s just 10 minutes.

Sometimes, you just need to get started, and the motivation will follow.

Summer walks are a whole different experience. This is a time when there is no “perfect” routine. Some days, you might have time for a long walk; others, you might need to get creative to fit in just 10 minutes. Some days, you’ll feel energized and motivate; others, you’ll feel tired.

Fortunately, our Summer of Simple Walking isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding ways to make walking work with your busy life—preferably with an iced coffee in-hand.