Walk for your health

“When you have worn out your shoes, the strength of the shoe leather has passed into the fiber of your body. I measure your health by the number of shoes and hats and clothes you have worn out.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Spring is a great time to tackle that list of items you want to clean around your home. But I would encourage you to also take time to cleanse your mind and your body with this new season upon us. It’s really okay to take a few minutes each day to do something for yourself. When you are strong, you are able to do more for your family.

Why do I suggest walking? The most important reason to exercise is to improve your overall health. Walking is free and you can do it anytime. But the key is to just do it.

I have a friend who made a resolution to get in shape this year. Her goal was lofty as she joined a gym and intended to hit the treadmill, lift weights and participate in that kickboxing class. A couple weeks later she missed a few days which became a few weeks and now she has all but given up on the idea of exercising. I asked her two simple questions. Do you like how you feel when you exercise? She emphatically answered that it reduced her stress level and was the source of her increased energy. I then asked her what the main reason she stopped exercising was. She replied that making the time was her biggest challenge.

We all have the same amount of time in a day. So really what she is saying is that making the time to exercise is not a priority. Driving to the gym, changing clothes, working out and then showering before returning took nearly two hours out of her day. If you have that much time, then I certainly encourage you to make the commitment to go three days a week.

If you don’t have two hours in a day to allocate for gym time, then walking is for you! All you really need is a pair of comfortable shoes and 30 minutes five days each week for a brisk walk. If you’re a speed walker or prefer jogging, then 20 minutes three days each week will work. There’s no special skill or lesson needed. No expensive equipment to buy.

I’m sure you are aware of the major health benefits of walking. Whether you walk in jeans or sweat pants, on a city street or country road, it’s still the same right, left, right for your health. It will get you away from the demanding routines of daily life and help you clear your mind. Listen to music or simply take in the sounds around you. Notice the flowers, the creatures or the color of the sky. Breathe deeply and remember that you are an intelligent, valuable and strong person.

Every parent knows that a child’s first step is a landmark event. So now it’s time for you to take that first step for yourself!