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Looking for the best walking shoes for women, comfortable workout clothes, and favorite fitness finds? Here are some of my favorite things to help you stay active!
Why I Started Walking
If you’ve hung out here long at all, you know I kind of like to walk! 🙂
In all honesty, for years I fought walking because I felt like it wasn’t a quick enough workout. It seemed like it took f.o.r.e.v.e.r. to burn the same calories as other workouts, so I always gravitated toward other forms of exercise.
However, when COVID started and our local gym closed down, my friend Ashley and I started waking up in the wee hours of the morning and walking together. Not only did we love it, but we noticed some happy (and kind of unexpected!) changes in our bodies, too.
We both noticed that walking seemed to help lean out our legs, and honestly, starting the day with a friend and getting some fresh air was just good for the soul during such a crazy time. I quickly realized that walking didn’t have to be an intense workout to make a difference!
Here’s my friend Ashley – she might strangle me for including this picture, but I can’t say enough about having a happy walking buddy!
These days, I’m at OrangeTheory every single day, and I absolutely love it! I love that I’m getting a mix of cardio and strength training, and it’s become such a fun part of my daily routine. I still enjoy walking whenever I can, too. I’ve learned that finding workouts you genuinely enjoy makes it SO much easier to stay consistent!
Whether you’re walking every morning, heading to the gym, or just trying to move a little more throughout the day, having a few things you love can make all the difference.
While walking doesn’t require anything other than a solid pair of good walking shoes (I love that!), there are a few other things I use regularly and love. From comfortable workout clothes to fitness accessories, these are some of my favorite finds!
My Favorite Fitness Finds, Workout Clothes & Walking Essentials
The Best Walking Shoes For Women
The most important thing you need when walking is definitely a great pair of walking shoes. Here are two of my absolute favorite pairs:
Hoka Bondi 9 Women’s Shoes (my all-time favorite shoes – they are pricey but worth every penny!)
Brooks Running Shoes (I love the Brooks Ghosts to walk and run in best!)
After having plantar fasciitis a few years ago, these Brooks shoes have been amazing. They’re not cheap, but they’re one workout item I’ve decided is worth splurging on if you walk a ton.
I also got this pair of Hoka shoes after wearing the soles literally out of my Brooks. I love them and use them for walking and jogging. They also have amazing reviews!
The most important thing you need to know when shopping for walking shoes? Most likely, you’ll want to go up a half size. Your feet can swell as they warm up when you’re walking, so you don’t want your shoes to be too snug!
And if you’ve had any issues with foot pain, definitely take the time to visit a local running store and let them help you find the right shoe for you. You may pay a little more, but your feet will thank you!
More Favorite Workout Clothes & Fitness Finds
While you really only need a good pair of walking shoes to start walking, here are some other things I use regularly and love!
1. I LOVE these Amazon shorts – They’re long enough, have a pocket, and are super comfortable. Success! I’m also obsessed with these Athleta shorts. They have pockets for my phone, are super comfy, and aren’t too short. They’re a little on the pricey side, but I’ve worn the same pair for years and just recently bought another pair. They’ve held up perfectly!
I also have 3 of these tanks – I wear them in the morning at the gym or when I’m walking all summer long. During the colder months, I just add a lightweight jacket.
2. These Lululemon leggings are amazing! Comfortable workout leggings are a must, whether you’re heading to OrangeTheory, going for a walk, or running errands afterward!
(These are similar and way less expensive on Amazon, but I’ve worn the SAME pair of leggings 5 days a week for 4 years. It’s worth it to me to just keep the same pair and never have to shop again!)
3. This sports bra is the best – it offers great support and coverage!
(I’ve tried these Amazon dupes pictured above and they’re GOOD, but not quite as supportive. They’re IDENTICAL in the way they look, but the Lululemon ones just hold things in place a little more!)
4. These socks – A comfortable pair of workout socks makes such a difference when you’re walking or working out!
5. This Apple Watch – I love being able to keep track of my activity, steps, and workouts throughout the day!
JOIN OUR MONTHLY CHALLENGE – If you already have an Apple Watch, I’d love for you to join in our fun monthly challenges, where we get points for closing our Apple Rings each day. It definitely keeps me motivated and pushing to close them day after day ~ I want those bonus points! You’ll need to download the FREE Challenges App and use the code: gqvm to join the November Challenge.
6. These AirPods – These are especially great for listening to music or podcasts while you’re out walking!
7. This running belt – It’s basically a fanny pack and works great if you don’t have pockets to hold your phone. So handy for walks!
8. This body fat scale – I love having this scale at home! It tracks more than just your weight, giving you additional information about your body composition and fitness progress. It’s a helpful way to look at the bigger picture instead of focusing on just one number!
My Favorite Wellness Tracker
If you’ve ever started a new week determined to eat a little better, get a few more steps in, drink more water, or finally get back into a workout routine (or even start one for the very first time!), the Wellness Tracker has been an accountability game changer for me!
I keep it right by my bathroom scale so I can check off my daily goals. It’s such a simple way to stay accountable and see how I’m doing throughout the week. Sometimes just having a little reminder in front of you is all it takes to stay motivated!
And finally, an Audible subscription is especially great if you walk on your own! I love being able to listen to a good book while getting my steps in. I fall asleep just about every time I read in bed, so this is one of my favorite ways to squeeze in a little reading time. You can also find free audiobooks through your local library!
Frequently Asked Questions About Walking & Fitness
What are the best shoes for walking all day?
A comfortable pair of supportive walking shoes makes all the difference! Brooks and Hoka are two of my favorite brands. I recommend trying on a few different styles to find the best fit for your feet.
Is walking a good workout?
Absolutely! Walking is a great way to add more movement to your day, improve your cardiovascular fitness, and build a consistent exercise routine. You don’t have to do an intense workout every day to make healthy changes.
What should I bring on a daily walk?
A comfortable pair of walking shoes is the most important thing! I also love having my Apple Watch to track my activity, AirPods for listening to music or audiobooks, and a running belt to carry my phone and other essentials.
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