You don’t have to go far these days to hear about someone who’s sniffling, coughing, or fighting through the flu or COVID virus. Germs are everywhere, and though you may think you’re doing everything you can to keep them at bay, there may be one more thing you can add to your line of defense. And that’s the simple act of taking a walk.

A new year! A fresh slate! It’s the perfect time to commit to taking your fitness routine to the next level and a consistent, intentional walking practice is the first step. Here are nine ways to elevate your walking practice in 2022.

I’ve always wanted to learn to play the guitar. To be able to sit around a campfire amidst the flicker of light and strum a simple tune. And so I bought that guitar, a case to keep it safe, and a book to teach me the fundamentals. Armed with about a decade of piano and French horn lessons, I should be able to pluck out my favorite tunes in no time, right? Wrong. After a few days practicing a chord or two, learning the notes, and working on strengthening my hands, I quickly realized that learning a new instrument would be a process. And in order for me to realize my fireside dream, I had to slow down.

Sometimes you have to slow down to speed up. You have to make a commitment to the process, focus your attention on the basics, and take the time to strengthen both your mind and your body. And with walking, it’s no different.

Think back to when you were six. What did you dream you'd be when you "grew up?" An artist? Maybe a veterinarian? Perhaps a ballet dancer? All of the above? Sure, when you were a kid, the sky was the limit. And then you started to focus on making a living instead of living a dream.

For many, the turn of the calendar to a new year means a fresh start. A clean slate. The chance to set goals, an opportunity for better habits, and a time to reset your intentions. Whatever you call it and whatever you are hoping to achieve, sticking to resolutions can be hard. But we have a suggestion. It may sound crazy, but it’s true — walking can help. Here’s why.

We get it. Stepping outside to take a walk when you have to wear more layers than the number on the thermometer is tough. But, with the right tips and tools, staying active during the winter months will actually make you feel better, both physically and mentally. Keep reading for all the benefits, how-tos and inspiration you need to keep walking this winter.

You’ve found the perfect pair of walking shoes, clothes that allow your body to move comfortably, and even remembered your favorite hat to block harmful rays and keep the sun out of your eyes. But wait … you need one more thing! You need a good pair of socks. Scratch that, you need a great pair of socks. Socks that provide enough cushioning to support your foot, keep moisture at a minimum, and are made from materials that don't cause blister-forming friction. We’ve compiled our 9 favorite socks for walking.

We’re in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, and though our celebrations might look a little different this year, the feelings are the same. We’re all scurrying around frantically working to make sure all the loose ends are tied up. We’re craving connection and good cheer. And we’re looking to the future, thinking about our goals and our dreams and wondering if this will be the year we get one step closer.

To be real, these last two weeks of the year can be overwhelming. They can be stressful. And they can lead us into some bad habits. But right now, we can all make a positive change — we can commit to walking our way through the holidays. Here are nine reasons why you should make walking part of your holiday habits.

You may be bracing yourself for the cold days looming, but don’t let a drop in temperature keep you from the body-boosting benefits of walking. With a little thought and preparation, you just might find yourself craving a stroll with a side of winter chill. Here are 9 ways to get yourself ready for winter walking:

You spend Thanksgiving Day working in a soup kitchen. You invite the man on the street into the sandwich shop and buy him a sandwich for lunch. You volunteer in the PTA helping organize events for students and families. You visit an elderly neighbor and invite her out for a walk. You put canned goods out on your porch for the local food drive. You set aside your needs, your schedule, your agenda for someone else. You show your generosity.

From being so out of shape she couldn’t walk through a grocery store to now having a love—her family calls it an addiction—for walking and hiking, Pack Member Paula Patterson, age 48, has found a new purpose through 99 Walks that has changed her life.

We recently chatted with Paula to get to know her better and here’s just some of what we discovered.

Taking a walk has a significant number of health and wellness benefits, but when you combine that walk with gratitude, those benefits multiply. Here are 9 reasons to take a gratitude walk.

Ummm, hello? Your body here. Can you please, please take me for a walk?

Signs are everywhere, and the ones your mind, mood and body send often tell you what you need if you just stop and listen. We surveyed the 99 Walks Pack and discovered nine common messages that just might mean it’s time to lace up your sneakers and head out for a walk.

A few years ago, my family and I visited Maine. We ate a ton of lobster (even kissed a few), hiked breathtaking trails in Acadia National Park, took a boat tour to check out the sea life, and crept through the woods in hopes of finding a moose. And though our adventures were incredible, and we saw ten moose out in the wild, my absolute favorite highlight of the trip was the time I sat on the rocky shore staring out at the wide expanse of the ocean before me. It was at that moment when I was quiet with my thoughts. It gave me the chance to sink into the feeling of gratitude that surrounded me, both in my life and the beauty of nature. It was my chance to find quiet gratitude.

Tired of walking around your neighborhood? Check out these nine places you can take your walking shoes and crush your miles while embracing the fun of Fall.

Wondering why you’re up in the middle of the night, your pants fit a bit more snug, and you're snapping a little more frequently at your loved ones? It just might be menopause. Though symptoms may vary, perimenopause (the first stage, which often starts in the 40s and can last 8-10 years) and menopause can bring on changes and challenges that may have you scratching your head and wondering how you’re going to get through the day, not to mention years. One thing that is proven to help, though, is walking. And here are nine reasons why.

Life is busy. With work, a couple of kids, maintaining a home, volunteer activities, and trying to keep up with all the things, it’s not easy to find time for myself. But I know that, for myself, my family and all the people I encounter throughout my day, taking care of my mental health is a must. What’s my go-to for self-care? Lacing up my tennies and taking a walk. Walking is the reason dinner makes it on the table, the laundry gets done, and the kids make it to their practices on time. Because walking is more than an excellent form of exercise. It’s a chance for me to clear my mind, relax my shoulders, and recharge. Here’s why.

Much like walking, podcasts can serve many purposes. They can offer you laughter at a time when life seems too heavy, or guidance when your mind is racing with questions. They can offer inspiration when you need some extra encouragement, or entertainment when you need to disconnect. And they can even offer serenity for when you need to remember to breathe. We’re big believers in the power of podcasts here at 99 Walks, and in honor of International Podcast Day, we thought we’d share with you a list of our favorites and why we love them.

In September 2020, Yvonne Deel had a realization. She was tired of being tired. A common result of the pandemic, she found herself spending her days just sitting around. It was a habit she knew she needed to change, so she took to her computer, started researching her options, and found her answer in 99 Walks.