A Simple Walking Plan for Busy Women (How I Got Started)

Kiera Laeka
4 days ago
3 min read

Woman walking outdoors on a neighborhood road, wearing sunglasses and a hydration vest, sharing her postpartum walking routine and fitness journey

For a long time, walking hasn’t gotten enough credit.

Before I ever got into cycling. Before I started running. Before structured workouts felt doable.

Walking was my entry point.

But there’s another part of this story that matters — especially for women who are easing back into movement.

Why Walking Was the Kindest Option for My Body

After I had G and was cleared to work out, walking felt like the most realistic and compassionate place to start.

I wasn’t ready to jump into intense workouts. My body had been through a lot, and mentally, I was still finding my footing. I also wasn’t happy with my weight at the time — I knew I needed to do something — but I also knew I couldn’t rush the process.

Walking allowed me to ease back in without punishing my body or overwhelming myself.

And that mattered more than I realized at the time.

Walking Doesn’t Have to Be the Only Thing — But It Is Enough to Start

I think a lot of women — especially postpartum — mentally downplay walking. This was a huge hurdle for me in the beginning.

We tell ourselves:

“It doesn’t really count.”
“I need to do more.”
“This won’t make a difference.”

But that mindset is what keeps so many people stuck.

Walking doesn’t have to be the only thing you ever do — but it is more than enough to begin. It builds confidence. It rebuilds trust in your body. It helps you reconnect with movement without fear or pressure.

That foundation makes it possible to do more later—if and when you’re ready.

Why Walking Is a Powerful Place to Start

Walking is accessible. It’s low-impact. And it meets you where you are.

When I started, my goal wasn’t intensity — it was showing up—some days that meant 10 minutes; other days, 20. The key was consistency, not perfection.

Those walks helped me create a routine before I ever worried about speed, distance, or performance.

My Simple, Sustainable Walking Plan

If you’re overwhelmed by fitness, this simple walking plan is designed to help you start small and stay consistent without burnout.

1. Start Small, But Stay Consistent

I didn’t start with long workouts.15–20 minutes, 3–4 days a week was enough.

What mattered most was showing up — even on days when it felt imperfect.

2. Focus on Consistency Over Perfection

I stopped obsessing over steps and pace.

The mindset shift that changed everything: Time > steps > perfection

Movement doesn’t need to be extreme to be effective.

3. Build Walking Into Your Day

Walking doesn’t always need a dedicated workout window:

Walking during phone calls
Short walks after meals
Parking farther away during errands

Small moments still count.

4. Create a Rhythm

Once walking felt familiar, I aimed for 25–30 minutes most days

Some days I split it up. Some days I didn’t. Both were wins.

5. Add Challenge (Only If You Want To)

When walking started to feel easier, I gently layered in more:

A faster pace
Incline or hills
Treadmill walks or hike-style classes

This step is optional—and only comes after consistency is established.

6. Keep It Enjoyable

I stuck to walking because I made it enjoyable:

Music or podcasts
Favorite routes
Fresh air and quiet time

If you enjoy it, you’ll keep coming back.

What Walking Turned Into for Me

Walking helped me rebuild trust with my body — especially after postpartum changes.

It eventually led to cycling, running, and more structured workouts, but none of that would have happened without this gentle starting point.

Walking wasn’t “less than.” It was exactly what I needed.

Walking didn’t require anything fancy, but having a few comfortable, practical items made it easier for me to stay consistent — especially in the beginning. If you’re walking too, I’ve shared the simple fitness favorites I personally use and love here: Shop my fitness favorites (affiliate link).

If You’re Just Beginning

If you’re newly postpartum, starting over, or simply overwhelmed:

Walking is enough
Slow progress still counts
Kindness toward your body matters

Start small. Stay consistent. Let it grow.

XO -

Kiera Laeka