Walking is an excellent exercise for individuals of all ages and skill sets. Begin your walking program progressively, increasing length and speed as you get used to it. If you want walking to become part of your routine, you must make it enjoyable. The following tips will help you make walking more fun in the new year in Houston.
Look out for Special Locations
To make walking more fun, look out for some unique locations. Perhaps the community next to yours has particularly beautiful scenery or other locations could be a bit more challenging with hills. Or maybe there are local parks close by that you’d like to walk. Schedule one day a week for any walk somewhere new and plan your location so you’ll have something to look forward to on the other days.
Check out these amazing parks throughout Houston, you’ll find some amazing trails that we are sure the whole family will love.
Buffalo Bayou Trail
18-3600 Allen Pkwy
Houston, TX 77019
Explore the award-winning Buffalo Bayou Park, an enchanting 160-acre oasis between downtown Houston and the great outdoors. This urban paradise beckons for adventure, from stunning gardens and beautiful trails to a charming dog park, public art, and picnic spots. Experience these delights with family and friends. Be glad that BBP results from a splendid collaboration between the Kinder Foundation, the City of Houston, the Houston Parks & Recreation Department, and Harris County Flood Control District. Enjoy the serenity of nature! buffalobayou.org/location/buffalo-bayou-park/
Challenger Seven Memorial Park
2301 W Nasa Blvd
Webster, TX 77598
Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty the easy way! Escape the hustle and bustle of city living with a memorable trip to Challenger Seven Memorial Park. This park has 300 acres of sublime wilderness and features awe-inspiring boardwalks, tranquil nature trails, and abundant local flora and fauna. For those looking for a more leisurely adventure, the renowned Challenger Seven Park Loop is perfect – a 2.4-mile loop along flat terrain, accompanied by spellbinding views of wetlands filled with cypress trees, vibrant wildflowers, and even a bird sanctuary. Stroll through the peaceful landscape to find solace, or embark on your journey as an act of remembrance for the tragic seven astronauts who gave their lives to science. No matter where you choose to explore, a soul-stirring experience awaits you! onlyinyourstate.com/texas/scenic-boardwalk-hike-tx
Brazos Bend State Park
21901 Farm to Market Rd 762
Needville, TX 77461
Discover a realm of untamed beauty at Brazos Bend State Park, just 45 miles from Houston’s urban buzz! With plenty of activities, like hiking and biking, fishing, geocaching, picnicking, horse riding, and overnight camping, this majestic landscape is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature. Bring your walking shoes, binoculars, and camera to catch breathtaking glimpses of wildlife while exploring. And don’t forget to read our alligator safety tips before visiting—after all, these fearsome reptiles are known to inhabit some park areas. Make it your next group outing and reserve one of our superbly equipped picnic pavilions or group hall today. Wild adventures await; come explore! tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bend
Bay Area Park
7500 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058
Explore the wonders of Bay Area Park! Nestled among the towering trees, you’ll find a 64.3-acre paradise perfect backdrop for an idyllic picnic by the peaceful duck pond. Or take a stroll along the flagstone trails and gazebo in the Oasis garden. Armand Bayou is also waiting to be explored—launch your canoe and paddle down its storied waterway. There’s something for everyone here, from playgrounds and tennis courts to baseball and softball fields. Don’t forget to bring your furry friends and check out Precinct 2’s first canine park! With so much adventure awaiting, why wait? Discover the beauty of Bay Area Park today! engage.hcp2.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Bay-Area-Park-13
Lake Houston Wilderness Park
25840 FM 1485
New Caney, TX 77357
Step into nature’s warm embrace and explore the majestic Lake Houston Wilderness Park. Just a short drive from Houston, this lush oasis of over 5,000 acres awaits your discovery. There are endless ways to connect with the great outdoors, from winding trails to mirror-like waters. Go for a hike or a leisurely bike ride, catch the sun’s rays on your canoe or kayak, and observe spectacular birdlife. If camping is more your style, rest and relax in one of our cabins or campsites for a truly unforgettable adventure. With so many incredible activities, Lake Houston Wilderness Park truly has something for everyone! houstontx.gov/parks/lakehoustonpark.html
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
4501 Woodway Dr
Houston, TX 77024
Discover a piece of paradise nestled in the heart of Houston! The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center (HANC) is an idyllic oasis that offers you the chance to explore the wonders of the natural world. Delight at the sight of 155 acres of wildlife, lush vegetation, and serene trails, all coexisting in perfect harmony within the urban environment. With five miles of free pathways through the park, immersing in this captivating habitat teeming with vibrant life is easy. By visiting HANC, you’ll have a delightful getaway and help protect precious wildlife species that are increasingly vulnerable to development. So take a journey and connect with nature like never before—the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center awaits! houstontx.gov/abouthouston/arboretum.html
Change Your Usual Time
Try walking at a different time of day than your usual walking time. If you are a morning walker, try walking when the sun is down. If you are a nighttime walker, try mornings. You might see utterly different scenery in the morning compared to walking in the afternoon. They’ll sometimes offer various image opportunities or even things to do while preserving your routine fresh.
Find a Walking Buddy
If you look around at other people who are walking, you most likely see that people tend to walk with other people or pets, and if they’re by themselves, they usually wear headphones. If you walk with a friend or walk with a pet, or walk listening to music, those are things that can make walking more fulfilling. If you usually walk alone, try walking with a friend.
Not only will you have someone to talk to, but having your walking pal for accountability might help you to stay committed. Mixing it up and changing the routine will more than likely continue to make it more enjoyable
Go Solo
If you typically walk in a group, on the other hand, try a couple of solo walks to take some time to yourself. You may appreciate the meditative nature of walking alone in some cases. You also may be able to take care of some tasks or walk in a new location if you’re heading solo.
Hunt for Happiness
Think of things representing happiness, such as flowers, birds, or smiley faces, and see how many you can spot as you walk.
Listen to Great Music
Research reveals that music could be a great driving force, especially when it comes to doing exercises. Set up a few different music playlists to brighten up your regimen. You might find that you prefer a high-energy playlist on specific days and a calmer playlist for other walks. Music can actually help you walk even farther at a faster pace!
Walk with a Purpose
For some individuals, an immediate objective works best, like walking to work or doing errands. For some, a more abstract, long-term objective is the key.
Signing up for an organized walk enables you to get in touch with other individuals working toward the same goal and provides a reason to keep stepping.
Monitor your progress
Keeping a record of how many steps you take, the distance you walk, and how long it takes will help you see where you began from and act as a source of motivation.
What other new suggestions can you come up with to enhance your walks? With a bit of creativity, walking can be an activity anyone looks forward to each day rather than a chore. Don’t forget to remain safe while walking. If you’re listening to headsets or talking to a friend, ensure you’re still focusing to vehicle traffic or obstacles in your route.
