(If they don’t work, you can just

take a hike!)

Six suggestions to re-energize your walking routine

1. Theme it.

Make it a backward hike. Every five or ten minutes, turn around and walk backwards for awhile. Guaranteed to change your perspective!

Or make it a “how many” hike – before you go, guess how many birds – or flowers, or deer, or people - you’ll see. Then count as you go. How close was your guess?

The point is, by giving your hike a theme, you’ve made it different, special, memorable.

2. Buddy up

Take a friend or a co-worker. Rather than having a chat (or a boring meeting!) have a “walky-talky.” You might be surprised at the great conversations that can be had when you hit the trail or just stroll around the block.

3. Get a guide.

Check your local park systems’ program listings for guided hikes and special events. Most are free, many are family-friendly, and if you’re not careful, you just might have fun.

3-1/2. Or get a guide book.

(yes, this is a shameless message from your sponsor)

4. Make a time change. If you’re a morning walker,

sleep in for a change and take a stroll after lunch. Afternoon exerciser? Hit the trail early and you’ll see completely different scenery on your hike.

Even a familiar route will look brand-new at a different time of day.

5. Kick it up!

Or punch it up. By adding some arm-swinging, knee raising, jack-jumping action to your walk, you’ll rev up your body, mind, and routine..

Guess what? The same can be said about slowing down. If

you usually charge full speed ahead, change the pace. Stopping to smell the roses can also recharge your batteries.

6. Learn something

Never used a pedometer? Don’t know how to use a digital camera? Borrow one and learn. Get a field guide and figure out how to identify common plants, or unusual insects. Take a history hike and read the signs to discover what happened a hundred years ago where you’re standing today. You’ll be glad you did.

That’s it. Don’t like my advice? Well… maybe you should Take a hike!