Finding motivation to get moving

Image by Stux

Whenever I’ve been asked what exercise someone should do, my response is always along the lines of: do something you enjoy. You are more likely to stay physically active if you actually like the activity you’re doing.

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For me, my favourite way to move is walking. I walk a lot. Always have, always will. For the record, though, I also engage in strength training twice a week, various functional fitness workouts weekly, as well as more cardio-focused options like running and bicycling on a regular basis. But walking is still my favourite mode of physical activity.


Having said that, even I find walking a challenge in poor weather conditions. Our winters can be long, snowy, cold, icy, and unpredictable. Last year, I purchased a one-month’s pass to an indoor running track towards the end of the winter to keep me moving. This year, I wasn’t feeling the need to run, so I didn’t repeat this purchase.


Yet I knew that I needed some added motivation for my walks, which led me to Pokemon Go. First released in 2016, “Pokémon GO is a 2016 augmented reality (AR) mobile game, part of the Pokémon franchise, developed and published by Niantic in collaboration with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for iOS and Android devices. It uses mobile devices with GPS to locate, capture, train, and battle virtual Pokémon, which appear as if they are in the player's real-world location.” 


On January 1st, I downloaded the game to my phone and got walking. And let me tell you, it’s been so much fun. And it’s keeping me consistent with my step count year over year. Pokémon GO has helped promote physical activity for people of all ages, including teens who love to play video games.

Weekly walking summary on the app

I hope you are able to find a suitable motivation to get moving every day. For now, I will bid you adieu. It’s time for me to go for a walk and catch some Pokémon.

Remember: move more, feel better.

Check out the world of Pokémon here.