Thirty years ago, I was not yet able to drive a car. I had to depend on my bike and my own two feet to get me from point A to point B. My stamina was awesome, my legs strong and sure and I had a lot more energy. Then I got my driver’s license and forgot all about walking and biking.
Today, I have to make a concentrated effort to go for a walk. I’ve become quite dependent on the gas guzzling machines to get me everywhere and my body has paid the price for this luxury.
I have health issues now and so I’ve started walking again… it will be awhile before I can match my 15-year old self, but the fact is, I am older, fatter, and I’ve put years of laziness under my belt. I thought it would help to list out why walking is awesome as a reminder to myself on those days that I “just don’t feel like it”.
- Walking is FREE – you can go for a walk and it does not cost you anything but some time away from sitting on the couch doing a Super Natural marathon on Netflix.
- Walking helps control the high blood pressure – woo hoo! Not everyone is as freaked out about high blood pressure like I am, but for me it’s a major fear factor.
- Walking lowers disease risk like type 2 diabetes and you’re less likely to get colon or breast cancer. All very real things to worry and fear!
- Walking helps you lose weight – you can fit into theater sits comfortably again if you take the time to add walking to your daily routines. Go for at least 15 to 30 minutes a day and not that leisurely-oh-look-at-the-butterflies kind of pace. Step it up and get the blood pumping.
- Walking helps prevent dementia – I’m not to that stage where I need to fear this yet, but it’s going to happen one day and older people who walk six miles or more per week are more likely to keep their memory.
- Walking is energizing – the blood starts pumping, the muscles get all loose and warmed up. Suddenly you find yourself dancing to your music as you go through the boring daily tasks of laundry and cleaning. It’s awesome!
- Walking makes you happy. – Okay, I can go either way with that statement. If your car breaks down and you have to walk ten miles to the next town, I promise you are not going to be a happy person. However, if you set out to purposely walk you feel younger, more energetic and the endorphins kick in and your stress and anxiety just flutter away.
- Walking gives you an opportunity to think. In the world today we are always rushing from here to there and doing all our thinking in the car or when we try to sleep at night. When you walk, you can sort out the cobwebs and get fresh ideas. As someone who loves to write, this is an excellent way to get past the writer’s block!
- Walking can be solitary or it can be a companion activity. The nice thing about walking is that you are not dependent on others to join in and help with the game. This is all on you and it can be an awesome time to meditate or a great time to chat with a friend. Do yourself a favor and leave the cell phone at home though, texting and walking can be dangerous and unless you’re a Pokemon Go player, you won’t need it.
MY ADIPOSE & ME 