When do you decide not to walk? Is it the night before, are there specific criteria, or is it on the morning of the walk? The biggest flood of reasons or excuses will come the morning of the walk. There is less time to negotiate before you jump back in bed for an additional hour of sleep. The morning reasons can be fatigue, stiffness, or the weather. Perhaps you feel a cold coming on. Better not chance it. Maybe, your smart watch tells you your sleep was off, and you had better be careful. If you are over 35, chances are you might be a little stiff in the morning. Perhaps your muscles are deciding whether to shrink a little more or prepare for a vigorous, healthy life. Do a little mobility and start down the road. Chances are, your muscles will loosen up and feel much better after the walk.
What about planned reasons not to walk formulated and solidified throughout the evening before. I even heard the excuse, it has to be spontaneous and I do not plan. Spontaneously rollover and push snooze versus get up and go for a walk. You can place a bet on the success of that plan of attack for sure. One of the best is company. We had company, and no time to go for the walk. In reality walking might allow me to maintain my home and health making it possible to have company. Perhaps you don’t want to make them feel bad that they don’t exercise. Chances are they will not be up early to see you out for your walk anyway. Or, perhaps they would love the invitation. Let’s not forget the busy day planned with company that will more than make up for your walk. The stroll through Disney World to stand in line to sit on rides will give you plenty of time on feet but not do much for your heart. In fact, if you had Disney planned, it is even more important to get that walk in to get in shape to stand and stroll. There are times when an hour is difficult. Airport schedules or children that cannot be left. This may necessitate walking in front of the house or shorter distances and then repeat at a later time. Problem solving to get a walk in is a great mental exercise that you will not regret. It makes you more resilient and better to handle more situations that may derail your health journey in the future. Have a great walk.