Every fitness journey has to have a starting point. If the idea of joining a gym or committing to a regular exercise regime makes you want to run to the nearest chocolate supply– you’re not alone. But I can tell you from experience that getting started really is half the battle.
So, for April, I’m issuing a Walk & Water challenge for those of us who wish we could do those painful plank and cringe-worthy core challenges, but just don’t feel like it’s possible.
This challenge is simple: walk more, drink more water. And be intentional about both.
Commit 20 to 45 minutes a day to walking. It doesn’t have to all be done at once, but it’s best if you spend at least 20 minutes doing aerobic activity in order to get the full benefit. You can walk a mile in 20 minutes, regardless of whether you’re on a treadmill or making loops around your neighborhood. As you intentionally increase your mileage, you may want to do a mile in the morning, and then finish the rest of the day’s scheduled miles after dinner, or on your lunch break. Stick with it, and you’ll have walked more than miles by the end of the month. That’s more than 2 marathons!
One of the best things you can do for your body is to drink water. Few of us drink the recommended 8 glasses of water a day, but we’re going to work our way up to it this month. You don’t have to drink plain water if you don’t want to. Tossing in some fresh-squeezed lemon or lime can give your water a little extra flavor, and more fat-burning potential. There are also lots of products on the market that allow you to squeeze a little flavor into your water, which are often caffeine and calorie-free. These are great ways to help encourage you to drink more fluids. However, I encourage you to try drinking at least half of your water plain, with no flavoring. If you follow the plan, you’ll have consumed more than 9 gallons of water by the end of the month.
Accountability is key! Check in once a week with your weekly walking and water totals, and for each comment left on the facebook page, you’ll be entered to win a water bottle.
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