How to make walking less boring?
I regularly lift and stay on top of my diet but only notice I stop hitting plateaus when I do cardio (HIIT for 15 min, run for few miles, or walk for like an hour+). Lifting feels awesome, easily get in the zone and push heavy weight like I’m Arnold. Running feels terrible, but I like that it’s pretty quick. Walking feels alright, but damn it’s so boring. Feels like a never ending chore. Even hiking, just tree after tree. Views at the end are nice but rarely worth the boredom for hours. I don’t get that adrenaline lifting pump and I can’t hit my dopamine levers since I’m not in front of a screen. I’ve tried ebooks but my attention span causes mind to wander and I lose track of what’s going on in the book. I’ve tried a few podcasts but those have been boring so far too. I’m too used YouTube/tiktok for informational audio and use the video of their faces to feel less alone and more engaged in their conversation. Anybody have any tips? Listen to anything entertaining on your walks?
Walk faster. Aim for 13 min/mile pace.
Trying having a company with you if you are going for a hike a even a walk around the neighborhood. Times when you are alone, try thinking on stuff - but you might get into the habit of overthinking - so do only if you are not a overthinker. Also just walk around parks or some place nice where you can appreciate the beauty.
Try for a faster pace (speed walk/light jog). Running shouldn’t feel terrible, is it your joints, lungs what? There’s a program (I think it’s couch to 5k?) where you start light and short, and alternate jogging and walking. Slowly increase the distance and increase the run/walk ratio until you can run 5k. That should help if it’s an aerobic issue, but if your joints are the problem then maybe see a dr. Try different books or podcasts. Identify a subject you’re interested in and look for podcasts associated with that. Play video games? There’s probably dozens of podcasts. Interested in history, politics, economics, investing, self improvement, movies? Each of those subjects has dozens or hundreds of podcasts. Podcasts tend to be more conversational then books so I usually find them easier to listen to while I’m doing something but that’s not a universal rule.
Golf or other sports
I listen to my favorite music. That helps.
I’m quiet the opposite. Hate the gym but absolutely enjoy walking/hiking. I find it very peaceful. - Try walking somewhere green and/or with views. Avoid walking in areas with lot of noise pollution or busy streets. - Enjoy the “act” of walking. Simply observe yourself taking steps, your arms and legs moving, breathing, smell in the air, the air brushing on your face, lips , etc. Notice and take interest in things that you wouldn’t otherwise - flowers, trees, birds, etc. - avoid walking in busy neighborhoods - walk when it’s cooler (early mornings or evenings) Western half of SF is perfect for this - views, hills, weather, parks, trails, etc. Honestly, a walkers paradise.
Are you a ma'am ? Happy to give company
I’m a guy I walk with my girl too but it’s still rly boring, I’d rather just smash, drink, eat, listen to a concert, play some league, watch a show, lift together, etc. Better than walking alone but still.
Smash longer :p