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Fitness is personal. What works wonders for one person might be a total flop for someone else—and that’s okay! Take running, for example. It’s everywhere, hailed as the easy and free ultimate calorie burner and key to weight loss. But for me? Running wasn’t the answer. Instead, I found joy, consistency, and better health with something much simpler: walking.
Why Running Wasn’t My Perfect Fit
Let’s rewind to my basketball days. I had a coach who had a “creative” way of dealing with mistakes: making me sit in the center of the gym while my teammates ran sprints around me. It was humiliating, and that feeling stuck with me. (Cue EMDR—I’ll process it someday!) Fast-forward to adulthood, when I decided to give running another try. Everyone who looked fit seemed to swear by it, so I figured it had to be the magic solution. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. I worked up to running a mile or two, but it never felt natural or fun. And to top it off, running made me gain weight, not lose it! My dread would start the second I had to put on my running bra. Or for some of us, needing to double up sports bras!
Why Running Didn’t Work for Me
1. The “I Have to Run” Mindset
The moment I told myself running was non-negotiable, it became a chore. The weather wasn’t perfect? Skipped. My schedule was too busy? Skipped. Didn’t feel like lacing up my shoes? Skipped again. Instead of looking forward to it, I dreaded it—and that made consistency impossible.
2. It Didn’t Work With My Body
I’ve always had sinus and allergy issues, so running outside often felt like battling a pollen storm. Add in my autoimmune condition, and every post-run recovery felt like I’d been hit by a truck. Instead of feeling stronger, I felt exhausted and inflamed—not exactly the motivation I needed to keep going. I learned to listen to my body.
3. It Wasn’t Fun
I’ve heard about the mythical “runner’s high,” but I’ve never experienced it. Running felt more like a test of endurance than a joyful activity. Without any enjoyment, I couldn’t stick to it. No consistency meant no results, and that frustration led to comfort eating and more weight gain. Like the phrase “abs are made in the kitchen”, it is found runners can overcompensate calories eaten because of the increase in hunger from running - it even has a name coined “runger”.
The Walking Revelation
After weeks of struggling to force myself into a running routine, I decided to try something new: walking. It sounds so simple, but it changed everything.
1. Walking Was Actually Doable
No matter how I felt—tired, grumpy, or dealing with an autoimmune flare-up—I could handle a walk. I didn’t need perfect weather or fancy gear. I’d grab my headphones, press play on a podcast, and head out the door. It was low-pressure, low-prep, and exactly what I needed.
2. Consistency Came Naturally
Unlike running, walking didn’t feel like a monumental task. Whether it was a quick 10-minute stroll or a longer walk on the weekend, I found myself moving every day. There was no internal battle, no guilt, no excuses—just movement that felt good.
3. Walking Made Me Happy
Walking wasn’t just good for my physical health; it transformed my mental health, too. Some days, I’d zone out and soak in the fresh air. Other days, I’d get lost in an audiobook or catch up on my favorite podcasts. Walking became my daily escape, and that happiness spilled over into every part of my life. Bonus: when I felt good, I naturally made healthier choices, from what I ate to how I spent my time.
4. Walking is Flexible and Social
Walking is the ultimate “anytime, anywhere” activity. You don’t need special equipment, and it fits into your life effortlessly. Want company? Bring your dog, invite a friend, or chat on the phone with someone you’ve been meaning to call. It’s the kind of activity that feels less like exercise and more like something you genuinely enjoy.
The Results: Weight Loss and So Much More
Walking didn’t make the pounds melt off overnight, but it helped me create a sustainable routine I actually loved. The stress of forcing myself to run disappeared, and with it, the weight I’d gained. I felt lighter—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Am I saying running is bad? Not at all! Plenty of people thrive on it. But for me, walking felt like freedom. It aligned with my body, my lifestyle, and my mindset, and it helped me break free from the cycle of dread and inconsistency.
Takeaway: Fitness Is About Finding What You Love
The biggest thing I’ve learned? Fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all. The “right” workout isn’t what everyone else is doing—it’s what makes you feel good. For me, that’s walking. For you, it might be dancing, swimming, yoga, or hiking. The key is finding something you enjoy, because that’s what makes it stick.
If you’re struggling to stay consistent, maybe it’s time to rethink your routine. Movement doesn’t have to be complicated or extreme. Sometimes, the simplest step forward—literally—can make the biggest difference.
A Therapist’s Perspective
As a therapist, I see this concept play out in mental wellness, too. Just like there’s no universal “best” workout, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Finding the right therapist, practice, or routine that resonates with you is key. Your journey should feel empowering, not stressful. Whether it’s fitness or mental health, the best results come from doing what works for you.
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