Glendalyn Fodra Shares 5 Tips to Improve Walking Endurance

If your spring weather has renewed your fitness goals to improve your routine with longer walks, you may already be feeling discouraged due to sudden weather changes and crazy schedules. However, you set that new goal for a reason, and if you've gotten off-track, now isn't the time to give up.

Take it from Glendalyn Fodra, a medical professional with years of experience, who advocates physical activity such as fitness walking to improve health and the overall quality of life.

Adding distance to your daily walk has many benefits, for example, you can build strength and endurance. A walk that lasts 30 minutes or more will give you that daily recommended cardio workout your doctor has been bugging you about.

Below, Glendalyn Fodra reviews five tips to help you meet your walking goals, overcome challenges and improve your stamina and motivation.

1. Layer for Weather and Activity Level

Longer walks mean two things for your regular gear. You will be exposed to the weather longer, and you will be active for a more extended period. On chilly spring mornings, exposure causes discomfort to your extremities like your ears and fingers. Adding gloves and a hat can keep you comfortable long enough to meet your new goal. Dressing in layers allows you to face the cold then shed a layer when you begin to sweat. A lightweight jacket you can tie around your waist makes a perfect springtime walking accessory.

2. Find a Partner
Whether you walk with your better half, your best pal, your favorite pooch, or a group of friends; having company makes exercise more fun. A workout buddy holds you accountable for your goals and offers encouragement. You can't quit early if you aren't the only one losing those extra benefits. Having someone to chat with will make time go by quickly. Group activity breeds competition which can help you meet and smash those new fitness goals.

3. Stay Hydrated
You know how important it is to replenish your water level after exercise. However, staying hydrated during your long-distance walk can give you the stamina you need. When you are accustomed to a shorter workout, you might find yourself craving water earlier than you anticipated. Carry a water bottle to sip when you need a pick-me-up.

4. Pick the Right Socks
You know the well-worn and important advice about protecting your feet with the right walking shoes. However, many walkers don't consider socks. When you begin walking for more extended periods, you will quickly realize if your socks are too thin, a bunch to cause blisters, or are generally uncomfortable. Consider shopping for athletic socks to keep your feet comfortable and injury free.

5. Carry Light Snacks
A lightweight backpack is an excellent addition to your workout gear. A snack can pick up your motivation when you feel like giving up. An energy boost can be enough to build the stamina you need to get to the finish line (or perfect step count). Make sure your snack is light and healthy like trail mix or fruit. Bring enough to share, and you'll be the most popular walker in your group.

Whether you choose only one tip or all of them, you will still reap the health benefits of walking long distances. Meeting new goals gives you the positivity you need to build habits that help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

About Glendalyn Fodra:
Glendalyn Fodra is a physical therapist, loving mother, and caring wife who enjoys helping others and spending quality time with friends and family. She is known for her leadership and strong work ethics, but she devotes all of her free time to caring for her family and socializing with other Filipino families in Tennessee.