Walking is Good Medicine

September 4th, 2007

I’m not an outdoorsy, let’s-go-hiking-for-the-weekend kind of woman but I do love a good walk. I’m an urban walker. I live in New Haven, in a great neighborhood chock full of walkers - people walking solo, with a friend or spouse or with their dog - and interesting architecture. It’s hard to go out early in the morning, right after work or just before dusk, and not see plenty of people getting into action and walking into great health.I love walking because it’s so easy and good for you at the same time. I can decide on the spur of the moment to start the day with a quick walk or unwind after a stressful one. And because I’ve got slightly arthritic knees, it’s a good way for me to be active without the high impact of aerobics or kick-boxing which just don’t seem to agree with me.

Why’s walking so great? Research shows there are numerous health benefits including weight reduction, decreasing the risk of heart attack and stroke, reducing blood pressure, reducing the risk of certain cancers and diabetes and building muscle, bone and joint strength. And of course, it’s also a great stress reducer.

And there’s lot of other benefits as well:

It’s free - no gym membership required!
It’s a Do-It-Yourself sport - no special equipment is needed
You get to be outside and enjoy nature
Anyone can do it. Even if you feel you’re out of shape and think you can’t do it, you can. Simply start slowly and build from there. Ten minutes can quickly turn into twenty, and so on
You can walk at your own pace - fast, slow or somewhere in between
It’s a chance to connect with a friend or significant other away from the hubbub and fast pace of life
Provides an opportunity to get quiet and calm your mind

Your Assignment: Get Walking! Challenge yourself to get into action and figure out how you can build this into your weekly routine - walk at lunchtime around the block, schedule it into your calendar and make it a priority, find a friend who wants to get active too and start walking together - there are endless possibilities. What is realistic for you to do and when can you start?