Staying Healthy

Step up your walking routine

Has your walking routine become too routine? Here are six ways you can pick up the pace.

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch

photo of a man in a park performing a lunge exercise to stretch his leg

Walking outdoors is one of the most accessible and versatile types of exercise. "Walking is a great way to get the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, and workouts can be adjusted to fit any fitness level," says Dr. Lauren Elson, medical editor of the Harvard Special Health Report Walking for Health.

Like most cardio activity, walking offers an array of health benefits. It improves heart health, strengthens the immune system, and helps manage body weight. It is also an excellent mood booster. But sometimes walking becomes too routine or even tedious. If you are in a walking rut, here are six fun and challenging variations to add to your regular outings.

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About the Author

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Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch

Matthew Solan is the executive editor of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. He previously served as executive editor for UCLA Health’s Healthy Years and as a contributor to Duke Medicine’s Health News and Weill Cornell Medical College’s … See Full Bio
View all posts by Matthew Solan

About the Reviewer

photo of Howard E. LeWine, MD

Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing

Dr. Howard LeWine is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Chief Medical Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, and editor in chief of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. See Full Bio
View all posts by Howard E. LeWine, MD

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As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

You might also be interested in…

Walking for Health

The simple activity of walking has so many powerful health benefits. Done correctly, it can be the key to losing weight, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and boosting your memory, as well as reducing your risk for heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more. Walking for Health, created by the experts at Harvard Medical School, takes you step-by-step from why walking may be the most perfect exercise, to how to get started on a walking program, to specific walking workouts. It even has a special section on walking for weight loss.

Read More

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