As an avid runner (and daily walker, as a dog parent of two!), I know what most people need to achieve their movement goals. And although National Quitter’s Day fell on Jan. 9, I have some essentials to help you maintain motivation and achieve your step goals. LED armbands will keep you safe in low light, contour leggings will make you look good and feel good and quality headphones will keep you entertained.
So, keep reading for what I think everyone could use to get their daily steps in. And best of all, they start at just $4. That means that for the most part, they won’t break the bank.
Daily Walking Essentials to Keep You Moving
- Happy Feet: There’s nothing worse than foot pain after exercising, so make sure you’re wearing high-quality shoes, like Brooks’ Ghost 16 sneakers. Don’t let the “neutral running shoe” label deter you, though, because they’re great for walkers and runners alike — $100
- Light It Up: Like me, you might be nervous to walk in your neighborhood at night without street lights or sidewalks. That’s why LED armbands can be incredibly useful. They’re rechargeable and light up in your color of choice, making you more visible in traffic — $4
- Strong Bones: If your motivation to walk is strengthening your bones, get a weighted vest to increase bone density! This Zelus model comes in a wide range of weights for all your future workouts. It straps on securely, making you feel stronger after just a few walks — $27
- Hydrate: Make sure you’re hydrating, after especially long or hot walks. Ultima Replenisher Daily Electrolyte Powder comes with 20 packs in five delicious flavors that’ll make you feel better long-term — $21
- Look Hot: When you look good walking, you’ll feel good, too. So strut your stuff in Bombshell Sportswear Line Contour Leggings. The brand also carries sports bras, bodysuits and more, so make sure to check out all of its offerings — $92
- Warm Hands: Is cold weather deterring your workouts? You aren’t alone. Consider investing in these rechargeable hand warmers, which provide 20 hours of safe and cozy heat — $17
- Indoor Cat: If you aren’t getting your steps in simply because you’re an indoor cat, consider getting this walking pad. It folds in half for easy storage, and the handlebar provides additional safety — $120
- No Boredom Here: Pick a podcast, an audio book or a playlist, and run with it (or walk!). The Beats Solo 4 headphones connect to your device via Bluetooth, providing you with up to 50 hours of battery life — $150
- Shlepping: Take all your essentials on-the-go with the Fitgriff running belt, which can securely fit your keys, phone and money while you’re getting your steps in. That way, you can even stop for coffee when you’re done, if you needed some extra motivation — $16
- Chafe-Free: If you aren’t accustomed to walking regularly, you may experience chafing under your arms, legs, sports bra… you name it. Products like Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick help prevent skin irritation during workouts to make sure that doesn’t happen — $10
