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Walking Motivation, Fitness Gear & Trail Recommendations

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My favorite walking essentials, trail gear, indoor walking workout finds, hiking accessories, comfy shoes, wellness products, and nature-inspired favorites for everyday movement. From cozy neighborhood walks and scenic state park hikes to winter trea...
(Disclaimer: As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn from qualifying clicks/purchases.)
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🚶‍♀️ Everyday Walking Essentials

Everything I use to make daily walks more enjoyable, comfortable, and consistent. From water bottles and fitness trackers to safety gear, headphones, and must-have walking accessories, these are my favorite everyday walking essentials.
 

 
April Canfield profile picture
Functional. Stylish. Easy hands-free carrying. An easier way to bring your water bottle along while out walking (30 or 40 oz). Multiple colors to choose from!

(As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn from qualifying clicks/purchases.)
dabria Water Bottle Carrier Bag w/ Phone Pocket for Stanley 40/30 oz
 
April Canfield profile picture
If you're looking for an affordable smartwatch that covers the basics, this is a great option. It tracks fitness and health metrics, keeps notifications handy, and even includes Bluetooth calling—all in a comfortable, stylish design.
Smart Watch for Women, 1.65" HD Fitness Tracker
 
April Canfield profile picture
I recommend these for the very affordable price. I own a couple pairs of these & find the sound quality to be good & reliable. Quick charging & easy phone connectivity.

(As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn from qualifying clicks/purchases.)
Wireless Bluetooth 5.3 Earbuds 40H Bass ENC

👟 Best Walking Shoes & Socks

Comfort starts with the right shoes. These are my favorite walking shoes, hiking shoes, supportive insoles, cushioned socks, and foot care products for everything from short neighborhood strolls to long trail walks.

 
April Canfield profile picture
One of the most recommended Skechers styles for long walks! Hands Free Slip-In! Excellent arch support, lightweight & breathable. 
I do a lot of 3-5 mile walking & these perfect for my neighborhood walks and paved trails.
Skechers Slip-ins Relaxed Fit: GO WALK Arch Fit N-Joy
 
April Canfield profile picture
I used to wear the cheapest flip flops around but after upgrading to Clarks I won't go back. I wear this style almost daily in the summer months. Comfortable & has more color options to choose from.
Breeze Opal
 
April Canfield profile picture
Ideal for walkers who spend lots of time on concrete. People (like me!) love the thick cushioning that's makes for soft stepping, good shock absorption & it's helpful for joint discomfort. Plus they're hands free slip-ins.
Skechers Slip-ins: GO WALK Max Cushioning Hyper Burst - Nikita

🌲 Favorite Walking Trails & Parks

Some of my favorite places to walk, hike, and explore nature. From local parks and scenic county trails to beautiful state parks, these are walking destinations worth adding to your outdoor adventure list.

 
April Canfield profile picture
The longest continually paved trail in the U.S.!! I get to live in a beautiful neighborhood near the Mississippi River & enjoy this trail daily. Bicycling, hiking, roller/in-line skating, snowmobiling - something fun for everyone!
Paul Bunyan State Trail - Minnesota's longest trail
 
April Canfield profile picture
We were able to enjoy a 4.5 mile walk along the peaceful trails & through the wooded area. There were various spots to go down by the water (Mille Lacs lake) & out on the pier docks. Nice place to visit & I plan to go back.
Father Hennepin State Park | Hiking & Fishing on Mille Lacs Lake
 
April Canfield profile picture
I lived in Alexandria (Douglas County) and loved doing a lot of my walking on the paved paths of the Central Lakes trail. My favorite is walking between the lakes. Bikers love this trail as well.
Central Lakes Trail

🏡 Indoor Walking Workouts

When the weather isn't cooperating, I bring my walks indoors. Here you'll find my favorite walking pads, treadmills, workout programs, fitness apps, and home workout gear for staying active year-round.

 
April Canfield profile picture
A treadmill that's affordable & foldable. 20 levels of auto incline give you more challenging workouts. This one comes with dual HiFi stereo bluetooth speakers, customized tablet holder & more!!
5.1HP Folding Treadmill for Home with 20% Auto Incline, 300-400 LB Capacity, Portable Foldable Treadmill, FREE APP Control, Adjustable Tablet Holder,12MPH Speed,71 Programs,Knee Straps Gift #Famistar
 
April Canfield profile picture
Lucy is fun to workout with. She's added her Tai Chi inspired walking workouts. Even her cat likes to show up during the exercise routines.
Lucy Wyndham-Read - YouTube
 
April Canfield profile picture
I was first introduced to walking indoors by Leslie Sansone & her dvds. Easy & fun. When the weather is rainy & especially in the winter months is when I love that I still have an enjoyable option to walk indoors. 

(As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn from qualifying clicks/purchases.)
Leslie Sansone: Walk It Off In 30 Days
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🥾 Hiking Essentials for Longer Walks

For my favorite 5-6 mile walks and longer trail adventures, these hiking essentials help me stay comfortable, hydrated, and prepared. Perfect for day hikes, nature trails, and weekend outdoor escapes.

 
April Canfield profile picture
Liquid I.V. Energy. Blackberry Lemonade & Strawberry Kiwi are my new favorite flavors. 3x the Electrolytes of the Leading Sports Drink. Mixes well & tasty. Stay active. Stay hydrated!!
Liquid I.V. Energy Multiplier, 26 Individual Serving Stick Packs in Resealable Pouch, Sugar Free, Variety Pack
 
April Canfield profile picture
Prevent chaffing & blisters with this body & foot set. It stops chafing & lasts all day. It's non-greasy and provides a smooth application. 

(As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn from qualifying clicks/purchases.)
Body Glide Body & Foot Glide Gift Set - Anti Chafing & Blister Prevention
 
April Canfield profile picture
Don't forget to protect yourself from ticks, mosquitoes & other insects! I'm in MN  and when I'm walking along all these wooded areas it's a must for me. Definitely recommend getting yourself some insect repellent!
OFF! Deep Woods Tick/Insect 6oz Bug Spray

✨ Cozy Walk Vibes & Motivation

Walking is about more than exercise—it's one of my favorite ways to relax and recharge. These products, books, playlists, journals, and cozy finds help make every walk feel like self-care.

 
April Canfield profile picture
Podcast by Carolyn, a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach. “By the end of each episode, you'll feel physically energized, mentally renewed, and equipped with clear next steps—having moved, learned, laughed, and found the motivation to take the...
Wellness While Walking
 
April Canfield profile picture
Focus on wealthy habits while engaging in your healthy habits. :) This is one is also great for winding down in the evening and falling asleep to as your listen to the wealth affirmations.
Countdown to Riches: 21 Days Of Wealth-Attracting Habits Audiobook
 
April Canfield profile picture
Walking is more than just a way to stay fit. Mind and body are both important. I believe connecting with nature is essential.
Walk This Way: Practical walking ideas for fitness, health and happiness

🕯️ Candlelight Walks, Awareness Walks & Fun Events

Some of my favorite walking memories have come from special events. From candlelight hikes and holiday walks to charity events and community walks, these experiences make walking even more meaningful.

 
April Canfield profile picture
2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Brainerd Lakes Area Saturday, September 26, 2026
2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Brainerd Lakes Area
 
April Canfield profile picture
This event raises both awareness and critical funds for Sexual Assault Services, a local nonprofit providing free and confidential support to individuals impacted by sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and all forms of sexual violence.
Walk-A-Mile-In-Her-Shoes: Stilettos and Strides 5K
 
April Canfield profile picture
This is such a great idea for communities!
I got invited to my first one & am excited to meet new people & make more friends in the area we moved to.
WOW - Walking Wellness | Brainerd, MN | Baxter, MN
 
April Canfield profile picture
Grow Wild Trail Run @ the Northland Arboretum - Half Marathon or 10K Race.
I'm a walker but thought I'd share the run as well since it's at one of the places I'll be walking frequently. This is race has been going for decades.
Grow Wild Trail Run

🎧 What I Listen To While Walking

The right soundtrack can make miles fly by. Here are my favorite podcasts, audiobooks, playlists, earbuds, and audio recommendations that keep me entertained and motivated while walking.

 
April Canfield profile picture
One of my top favorite rock artists right now. Heavy, industrial style. If this was an actual band I'd be at every concert! The vocals are insane & the drive and rhythm of the guitars & bass. The beats hit just right for walking at a steady p...
Ministry of Dark
 
April Canfield profile picture
Daughtry keeps me going! Always keeps my mind & soul motivated. His albums are great for me when I walk. One of my top 5 all time favorite rock artists since he was on American Idol (I picked him to win - even though he didn't he sure made it big...
Daughtry - SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM (PART TWO) EP
 
April Canfield profile picture
“Toy With Me” was a fantastic album to walk to! Upbeat & energetic. Her style of music can really keep you goin' and this album was the perfect length for my one walk to the Riverview Park. I can listen to this on repeat!
Toy with Me