How to Spice Up Your Daily Lockdown Exercise Walk

Hands up if your daily, government approved, lockdown exercise walk has become an integral part of your life? I’m acting as if my walk is the most important part of my day and that if I miss it a) the government might take it away; or b) the world will end. I’m appreciating the canal towpath near by flat like I never have before!

I’m a little jealous of those with stunning countryside and limitless walking routes on their doorstep, and I’m getting a bit bored of walking the same two routes all the time – the canal in one direction or the canal in the other direction. But I have to admit that the canal towpath is beautiful, and I’m lucky to have it.

I don’t want my appreciation of said canal towpath to wither, so I’ve been keeping things fresh by mixing up what I do on my daily walk. Some of the things are what most people are probably doing (listening to podcasts, phoning a friend), whilst others are maybe a little silly (like playing ‘what’s that dog thinking’).

Anyway, here’s how I’m keeping myself entertained on my daily, government approved, lockdown exercise walk. Oh, and some pictures I’ve been taking on my walks whilst the weather has been nice!

Listening to Podcasts

May as well start with the obvious! I like a good natter whilst walking, but often I’m walking alone and I’m too worried about what people think to start talking to myself. Podcasts make me feel like I’m having a conversation… albeit a conversation where I’m very much the listener.

I’m a big fan of the more conversational podcasts, as well as those with practical tips for everyday life or more specific things like blogging, business and finance. Here are some podcasts that I’m enjoying on my daily walks:

• Practical Positivity, Sophie Cliff
• Can We Have it All? Holly Wood
• The High Low, Pandora Skykes and Dolly Alderton
• Ctrl Alt Delete, Emma Gannon
• Happy Place, Fearne Cotton

Catching Up With Friends & Family

I love to use my walking time to pop in my headphones and give my mum, dad, nan or sister a call to see how they’re doing. Even better if they’re on their walk too… it’s almost like we’re on a walk together!

It’s nice to be able to chat mindlessly to them or listen to how their day is going without any distractions or having to run off to check on dinner. I’d probably keep this just for walking though – no one wants to hear you breathing heavily down the phone on a run!

Noticing Surroundings

This one sounds a bit wishy-washy, but it’s something that I’ve really enjoyed! I alternate between listening to podcasts and leaving my headphones at home to really notice my surroundings. I suppose it’s quite similar to meditation, and could be described as mindful walking (which is definitely already a thing!).

I don’t usually last long before my mind wanders to it’s random, nonsense thinking, but I try my best to stay focused on the sound of the birds, the ripples in the canal water, the blades of grass blowing in the wind, the colours of the blossom, the texture of the path, the way the ducks are moving… you get my point. It’s amazing the things you notice that you’d normally ignore!

Setting Lockdown Exercise Walk Challenges

I like to think of a different challenge each day to complete on my walk. These vary hugely: it might be to beat my walking time from the previous day, spot five different flowers, make up a song in my head, or count how many people are refusing to acknowledge the two metre social distancing rule!

Taking a Camera on a Lockdown Exercise Walk

Last year I bought my first ‘proper’ camera: a fancy Canon DSLR that I have no idea how to use. What better way to learn how to use it than to take it out on a walk and just practice? I’ll take a close up of a flower, a reflection in the water or capture the contrast between the blossom and the sky. You don’t need a fancy camera either, just shoot on your phone if you want!

Now, I’m going to make a point here of saying that I don’t stop and spend ages trying to get a shot, neither do I take a tripod or any other special equipment. It’s still very much an exercise walk, and I’ll only stop to take a picture when there’s no-one else around.

Playing ‘What’s That Dog Thinking’

This is stupid, but enjoyable! If I’m walking with Billy, when we pass a dog I’ll narrate what the dog is thinking in a silly voice. If I’m alone, I’ll just imagine the dog’s thoughts in my head. Has lockdown made me lose my mind? Yep! Here’s an example:

“Ruff ruff, that bit of grass looks nice, let’s see what it smells like. Oh yes, ruff ruff, I can tell a friendly dog had a wee here, maybe if I also wee here we could be friends. Maybe I’ll find true dog love if I wee here. Actually no, I think it would be better if I wee over there.”

I’d love to hear how you’re keeping yourself entertained on your daily lockdown exercise walk! If you want more lockdown content you might also enjoy these posts:

• How to Cheer Someone Up During Lockdown
• Self-Isolating? Give Yourself a Break and Have a Holiday at Home
• How to Look After Your Mental Health During Coronavirus
• 10 Things to do at Home During Lockdown
• Staying Positive During Coronavirus – Positivity Journaling
• Getting Itchy Feet? Virtual Travel Experiences to Keep You Entertained During Lockdown
• Practicing Gratitude During Coronavirus Lockdown: What I’m Grateful For

Nell xx