A Blast from the Past
Do you remember the old AOL days? Maybe some of you still have an AOL account. Do you remember signing on and hearing “You got mail”? My AOL username was SpeedWlker because I loved to walk. Of course, everyone walks, but I’m talking about intentional walking for its benefits. For me, it was always about losing weight, but I learned that my diet played a significant role in my weight management. Walking helps, though it doesn’t burn as many calories as I’d like.
Why I Love Walking
My number one reason for loving walking is that you don’t need any equipment except for shoes and the ability to walk. You can do it anywhere—even making laps around your dining room table! Unless you have a physical or mobility issue, there’s no excuse not to walk.
Back in the day, when I was SpeedWlker, I worked at a bank. After dropping my kids off at school, I’d go to the mall, which opened early for mall walkers. I’d get my 30 minutes of exercise in and met some wonderful senior citizens who shared their wisdom with me. I also parked my car 15 minutes away from the bank, forcing me to walk 15 minutes to work and back. This routine helped me keep my weight down.
Now, I make it a priority to walk every day, whether on my treadmill (which I call the dreadmill) or outdoors. Walking outdoors is amazing, as I feel connected to God’s creation. I do my best thinking while walking and listen to my favorite podcasts, like Revive Our Hearts, to get the word of God in me. Walking is great for cognitive health, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to have meaningful conversations with others.
MY FAVORITE SNEAKER BRAND
Having proper fitting sneakers is so important if you plan on starting to walk. Do yourself a favor and go to a shoe store that specializing in fitting sneakers. I have found out that the Saucony brand is great for me. Make sure you get a new pair when you start seeing some wear on the sole.
Walking Tips and Benefits
- No Equipment Needed: Just shoes and the ability to walk.
- Anywhere, Anytime: You can walk in place or around your home.
- Daily Routine: Make walking a must, whether indoors or outdoors.
- Mental Clarity: Walking helps with cognitive function and creative thinking.
- Vitamin D: Get your dose of vitamin D while walking in the sun (I let the sun give me a natural tan during summer walks).
- Social Interaction: Walk with others for great conversations and longer distances.
- Physical Health: Walking benefits your heart and overall health. Use devices like Apple Watch to monitor your heart rate.
Personal Challenges
I used to aim for a 15-minute mile (a speed of 4.0), but now I focus on sustainability. Set personal goals and never compare yourself to others. Walking videos on YouTube, like Leslie Sansone’s, are great resources, especially for seniors. Always be mindful of fall risks and practice balance exercises throughout the day.
Inspirational Thoughts
Walking is amazing, with so many benefits. My husband, who has had several heart attacks, walks every day to keep his heart strong. I’m grateful that at 67, I’m still able to walk, thanks to an amazing physical therapist who helped me with mobility issues. Strength and stretching exercises are crucial for maintaining flexibility and mobility.
What do you think? Do you have any walking stories?