Walking for Health

     We all know that it is important for us to get daily exercise, but sometimes we find it difficult to accomplish this feat due to our busy schedules. I personally find it nearly impossible for me to keep up with a fitness center membership or going to a local gym for workouts. I do, however, love to walk and I have dedicated myself to this physical exercise. During the better weather in our area, my husband and I love to walk together outside in our neighborhood. We are fortunate to live very close to the city’s walking trails and have certainly taken advantage of this privilege. We even enjoy just walking the sidewalks of our subdivision. (Don’t tell, but I love to peer in the windows and see the neighbors décor as I pass by!) J Often we wait until after dark to walk in the cool of the evening. It is a wonderful time for us to converse and enjoy time together while benefiting ourselves physically and mentally. It never fails that I feel much better after this invigorating routine. Walking for just one hour at a moderate pace will burn approximately 206 calories.

     For variation visit any special place in your area such as a state park, floral gardens, etc. and take a stroll. We live near the Indiana Dunes State Park, and there are great places to walk there. I have even climbed Mt. Baldy, which is a giant sand dune that rises 123 feet above the water level of Lake Michigan. Now that is an experience! We have also walked barefoot in the sand along Lake Michigan. A real workout! During our most recent vacation we walked with friends along the ocean in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida enjoying the beauty of God’s creation.

     During the winter season, I keep up with my exercise by indoor walking on the treadmill. This is not as pleasurable as the outdoor walk, but I try to make good use of my time by spending this time in prayer….spiritual and physical exercise at the same time! Both my body and soul is refreshed, and I can become a better person through my faithfulness in walking!

Southern Living gives us this advice on walking:

     Add pizzazz to your routine walks and notice a difference--physically and mentally. No doubt, walking provides an easy and inexpensive way to get fit. Yet it can get boring if you do the same thing over and over. Challenge yourself with these tips, and it will benefit your body and mind.

Endurance Boost
     Strengthen your stamina on--and off--the sidewalk by adding interval training to your routine. No gym is required for this exercise technique. When walking, all you have to do is vary your speed and intensity.

     Connie Tyne, executive director of Cooper Wellness Program in Dallas, suggests warming up gradually and then doing a few minutes of fitness walking (medium strides with arms moving at a 90-degree angle) followed by power walking (smaller, quicker steps, as if you're in a big hurry). You can also jog for a short distance or until you feel tired and then return to fitness walking.

     "Repeat the pattern, and make it fun," Connie says. "Keep your intensity at a level that will be challenging but not exhausting. If you're listening to music, power walk during the chorus of each song."

Source: Southern Living Healthy Living http://www.southernliving.com/southern/features/special_sections/article0,13676,1139406,00.html

Retrieved February 3, 2006