Walking Does Your Body Good

Walking by far has to be my favorite way to exercise.  I remember watching “What Women Want” with Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt. There was a place in the movie where Mel’s character is putting together an ad campaign for Nike.

That ad hunts me to this day.  Here watch it, then we’ll talk…

That’s how I feel about walking. Perhaps I would run if I was still able, but walking let’s me clear my mind, chat with my dogs and sometimes visit with the person who decides to walk with me.

Walking does your body good in so many ways.

You burn calories, you breath deep, getting oxygen into your lungs and brain. Your endorphins kick in and make you feel better. It gives you a sense of accomplishment even if the walk is only around the block. Walking gets your heart rate up, and did I mention it burns calories?

You can speed up and slow down, you can walk on a flat surface or up and down hill. You can walk on dirt or cement. You can walk in the country, in your neighborhood, there are even malls that have tracks set up for walking. You can walk alone, with a friend or with a group.

Walking doesn’t require a wardrobe, expensive equipment that eventually makes you feel guilty because you ignore it, or worse yet use it for a clothes rack. All you need is motivation to put on shoes (or not) and head out the door.

Walking gives you time to think, to dream, to plan without feeling like you are gasping for air, which is what happens when I try to run.

I’m old (ish) and running isn’t an option for me these days, my knees can’t take it even when I am in shape. That is the reason I don’t like to use ellipticals either. For a while, abut 20 years ago now, I had this wonderful ski machine.

It wasn’t a Nordic track it was much more simple to use than those. I loved that little machine. For a few months I tried to find another one, but alas I don’t think they make them any more.

The thing I like was that I didn’t have to bend my knees and put weight on them. Even back in the day, when I was really thin, thanks to eating disorders and working out religiously; I could not do things that required me to put a lot of pressure on my knees repeatedly.

Walking is the perfect cardio activity for women in the same situation that I am in because you can start slow. If you can only make to the end of your drive…then that’s your walk – go to the end of the driveway and come back. Walk slow it doesn’t matter. The goal is to get moving. Change never happens without movement.

If you have reached the point in life where the pain of holding on is worse than the fear of letting go, if you are willing to make your brain venture into the unknown and uncomfortable, you are sure to discover a new life waiting for you on the other side.

Walking into a new life. Keeping small commitments to yourself will give you huge benefits over time. Love this quote:

Everywhere is in walking distance if you have time…Steven Wright

It is so true and goes with the Confucius quote:

The journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step

Take that step today! Join me on this journey. Let’s reclaim our health! Let’s not stand still and stay trapped in the present, let’s commit to moving forward to a better life by taking a walk today.

If everyday you simply commit to taking a walk that day, don’t worry about walking tomorrow, we are only going to focus on today. By the end of the week you will have walked for 7 days. By then end of the month 30 days! Imagine what walking for 30 days will feel like?

Maybe just maybe it will help you sleep better at night, think more clearly during the day and even give you more energy.

Seems kind of weird that expending energy would give you more energy, but that is how a body works!

Don’t forget to pick up your free copy of Eat More Lose Weight. Eating well and walking go hand in hand toward a healthy thyroid and a slimmer more energetic body.

 

Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.

Steven Wright

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