National Walking Day; 7 Ways to Make Walking Easier

It’s finally spring again, which means its finally National Walking Day, and what better way to celebrate than to get out and go for a walk? But hey, we get it. Sometimes, the idea of going for a walk can feel like a chore, despite all its benefits. Maybe your shoes are pinching your toes, or the sun is glaring down a little too hard for your liking. Well, fear not, because we've got your back. At Fuse Lenses, we're all about helping you enhance your outdoor experiences, whether you're strolling through the park or hiking up a mountain. That's why we're dishing out some pro tips on how to make walking easier, so you can commit to doing it every day. 

Walking has tons of benefits despite its simplicity. It’s an easy way to lose weight, strengthen your bones and muscles, and even prevent diseases like heart disease, strokes, cancer and diabetes. Walking is also one of the most doctor recommended forms of exercise, because of its convenience and vast list of benefits. There's almost nothing better you could give your body than consistent walks, and it’s never too late to start. So, let’s get your walk on with these simple yet effective tips and tricks!  

1. Set Goals: Whether it's logging a certain number of steps each day or tackling a challenging hike, setting goals can give your walks purpose and keep you motivated to stick with it. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of crushing those goals. It’s recommended to walk around 10,000 steps per day, but we know that number may seem big, so we recommend starting small and working your way up. Starting at 1,000 step walks and slowly increasing your goal will have you to 10,000 steps in no time. For simple step tracking, pedometers start at around 5 dollars on Amazon, or you could spring for a more technological tool like Fitbits or the health app on your iPhone.

2. Comfort is Key: Say goodbye to blisters and hello to comfortable long walks. Invest in a pair of supportive shoes that feel like walking on clouds and trust us, your feet will thank you later. Brands like Orthofeet and Skechers make lightweight padded shoes and socks specifically to amp up your walking experience. Even getting yourself a pair of padded insoles can really enhance your everyday walks, and keep your feet from getting sore or blistered.

3. Find Your Tribe: Everything's better with buddies, right? Grab a friend, your dog, or even your favorite podcast, and turn your walk into a social event. You can even go to your local Facebook groups to find fellow walkers, new routes, and tips and tricks. You'll be much more motivated to lace up those sneaks and hit the pavement with a group of friends.

4. Warm Up: Walking is exercise, and you should always stretch before a workout, so if you want to make daily walks a little easier make sure you’re doing some kind of warm up. Even simple leg stretches like lunges, calf stretches, jumping jacks and ankle circles will increase blood flow and give you a little more stamina while walking.

5. Keep Walking: They say practice makes perfect, and that's true for walking too. Over time, the more you walk, your body will start to build up extra muscle and stamina, making it a lot easier to walk for long periods of time. Picking a specific time each day can help you really get into the habit of daily walking, and help build up your stamina quicker than walking every once in a while.

6. Mix It Up: Variety is the spice of life, and walking is no exception. Explore new trails, try different terrains, and switch up your pace to keep things interesting. AllTrails, Yelp, and even Tripadvisor can provide new walking trails and parks so you can switch up your walking routine.  Who knows what new routes you'll discover along the way? 

7. Get the Right Gear: Finally, let's talk about your eyes. Squinting in the sun is the last thing anybody wants to do while on a walk. Treat yourself to a pair of Fuses durable and protective replacement lenses or sunglasses and shield your eyes from harmful UV rays while looking your best.  You can send in your own frames to get custom lenses, or spring for a whole new pair of sunglasses. Either way, Fuse lenses will keep your eyes protected from anything your walks could throw at you.

Get Your Gear

With a goal in mind, a bit of determination, and, of course, a pair of Fuse sunglasses, you'll be walking like a pro in no time. So, lace up those sneakers, slap on those shades, and hit the pavement with confidence. Happy National Walking Day, and we hope to see you on the trails!