More: Pedometers A great workout for the mind, body, and spirit: walking provides a simple way to stay in shape and keep active. From simple stretches to special shoes: here are ten fun and easy ways to help boost the healthy benefits  of taking a walk!

Healthy Walking Tip 1) Reverse Your Route

A walk can be great exercise for your mind as well as your body. If you have a route that you walk frequently, try walking it in reverse once a week. You will be amazed at how much more you see, hear, sense, etc. when you simply change direction. Not only is it a great sensory workout but reversing direction can also help work different muscle groups.

Healthy Walking Tip 2) Mindful Meditation

A walk can exercise the mind, but it can also quiet it as well. I suggest using “mindful meditation” because you want to still maintain full awareness of your surroundings for safety as you walk. On each walk, try focusing on one element in nature: i.e. the trees. Start by noticing the tops of the trees you pass, what the leaves look like, the different colors, etc. As your walk progresses, move your focus down the tree, reflecting on a different part every few hundred yards. Not only does this exercise help clear your mind of stress, but it also helps bring you closer to nature.

Healthy Walking Tip 3) Use a Pedometer

Pedometers are great fitness tools to use on walks. First, use the pedometer to measure how many steps your normal route is. Then challenge yourself to walk 20-50 extra steps each walk after that. While 20 steps might not seem like a lot, over time you are slowly building your endurance!

Healthy Walking Tip 4) Bring a Ball

Work your reflexes as well as your muscles on your walk. Bring a tennis ball or kick ball with you and bounce it while you walk. Begin by bouncing and catching it in your left hand a few times, then switch to your right. Just be careful to still maintain awareness of your surroundings: don’t get so focused on the ball that you don’t pay attention to potential dangers as you walk.

Healthy Walking Tip 5) Mix it Up

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