Walking Gear
One of the best things about choosing walking as your exercise is that you no equipment is required. That said, there are some things that make walking more enjoyable if you have the budget for it. The temptation when starting any exercise program is to procrastinate. The human mind likes to put up all sorts of mental roadblocks so that it avoids change. Resist the urge. Start today for free.
The Free Path
To start today, go put on your most comfortable clothes and shoes and go for a walk. You can walk in jeans, in athletic shorts, or even jorts (no judgment here!). Walking at an easy pace means you won’t sweat much, unless the weather is hot. Keep it simple. Even if you don’t have sneakers, you can walk barefoot. In fact, walking barefoot is one of my favorite ways to walk. When’s the last time you went walking around your yard with nothing between the soles of your feet and the grass? It’s a little slice of heaven here on earth.
If you want to have a distance goal, you can map out a walk for free using Google maps. Or you could set a time goal instead, and use the timer on your phone or watch. If you’ve recently used a treadmill, you can get an idea of how many miles you’re walking per hour, and thus how many miles you’re logging. I walk at about 3 miles per hour, and that’s a fairly slow and easy pace. While we’re on the subject of treadmills, there’s no need to buy one, even if you want to get your steps inside your house. Take up house walking instead!
If you prefer to have a step goal, and you already own a smartphone, you can use that as a pedometer. Download an app like Noom Walk, which will use your phone’s accelerometer to count your steps. I used Noom Walk for several months when I was between Fitbits, and I found it was just as accurate.
The Frugal Path
Everyone’s financial situation is unique. I am personally a frugal person. I have found that shoes don’t need to be expensive to work well, and that clothes don’t need to be either.
Shoes
If you don’t currently own a pair of sneakers, and you’re planning on doing your walking outside on a sidewalk or pavement, a new, comfy pair of sneakers is a wise purchase. Here are some things to look for in a good pair of walking shoes:
- Lightweight
- Grippy bottoms (important for when you’re walking on a slick sidewalk)
- Fit your feet well. Make sure you have room for your toes to wiggle, that the back doesn’t rub your ankle, and overall they feel good when you walk in them.
- Keep in mind that dark colors will absorb the sun’s heat, which may be a positive or negative depending on your climate. I bought a black pair when I lived in Florida, and regretted it.
- Once you find a brand you like, you can hunt for the best deal by shopping at places like Marshall’s or Ross. (I recently found a pair of New Balance Arishi’s for $37 at Marshall’s, which normally cost $60 retail.)
Pedometers
If you want to count your steps, but you don’t want to lug your phone around with you everywhere, you’ll need to buy a pedometer of some sort. You can go to your local Wal-Mart and pick up a basic digital pedometer for less than $10. The downside is they don’t keep long term records of your steps, and that can be less motivating.
Clothes
If you’re in a hot climate, athletic shorts are your friend. I picked up a few pairs at Wal-Mart for about $7 each, and they’ve held up fine for the past couple of years.
Comfortable, climate appropriate shirts are a wise purchase. If you really want to be frugal, head to your local Goodwill. You can pick up plenty of shirts and shorts for a few bucks each. (If you prefer new, Wal-Mart generally has t-shirts for $4.)
Comfortable socks are a great idea. You probably already have some in your sock drawer. I personally like these no-show socks.
The More Expensive Path
As with anything else, you can make your new walking habit as expensive as you want. The sky’s the limit. You could spend hundreds on an Apple Watch, buy a premium pair of Brooks walking shoes and the finest athletic wear. If that’s your thing, go for it, unless you’re putting a financial strain on yourself. Financial stress can lead to stress eating, so make sure whatever you buy fits in your budget.
Shoes
If you’re logging a lot of miles on your sneakers, you will notice that the rubber soles begin to wear out. I walk about 2,000 miles per year, and I generally buy a new pair after 1,000 miles or so, because the tread is so worn. Sometimes I procrastinate on buying a new pair because of my frugality, and I’ve had some slips and falls due to slippery soles. I’ll learn my lesson eventually.
Some experts say to change shoes out after every 500 miles. If you can afford the luxury, it’s worth considering. Slipping and injuring yourself because of some worn treads can end up being a whole lot more expensive than the pair of shoes.
Pedometers
Fitbits are expensive, but they are a luxury that I buy. In the past five years I’ve had two. Since I’m frugal, I justify the expense by amortizing it over time. I figure that if they only last a year, $10/month is worth it to me, and mine have lasted longer than that. I think of my Fitbit as my little accountability partner. My Fitbit will tell me the truth about how active I currently am.
It also awards badges based on hitting personal bests and achieving other milestones, and for some reason I find that motivating. The Fitbit app can track your weight over time, which is handy. You can challenge other friends and family members who have Fitbits. For a more in-depth review of my current Fitbit, click here.
Clothes
I’m the opposite of a clotheshorse, whatever that might be called. I own a small assortment of tee shirts, a few pairs of athletic shorts, a pair of jeans, a pair of jorts, a fleece pullover, and a couple of blouses. I’m the wrong person to ask about expensive clothes and fashion.
That said, I have some recommendations:
- Get the clothes you need to get yourself outside in whatever climate you’re in. Refuse to let the weather prevent you from hitting your step goal. If your plan is to walk outside, get rain gear, cold weather gear, and hot summer gear.
- Get things with pockets when you can. Carrying stuff in your hands for long distances is annoying, and so is carrying it in your waistband.
- Buy the size that fits your body. Not too tight, not too loose.
- Buy new sizes that fit you as you lose weight!
Remember–you can get started in the walking habit right now, today. Just stand up, and start steppin’!