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Add a Walk to Your Daily Routine

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I Love to Walk!

There is no fountain of youth, but as we approach midlife and the years beyond, most people realize that there is a secret to feeling better and living longer.

It's called staying active.

While many of us know this to be true, we still find excuses not to exercise. Who wants to put in laps around the track or work up a sweat in the gym after a grueling day at work? The TV beckons and the couch is so comfortable...

What I know and what I do are not always in sync. I know I need to exercise. I want to watch my children build lives of their own and spoil their children as my parents did mine.

There's no fountain of youth but the affects of aging can be minimized.

Pick up your hat and go for a walk.

Top Ten Reasons to Add a Walk to Your Daily Routine.

The Fountain of Youth?

If you walk long enough and far enough, you might stumble across that elusive "Fountain of Youth." Who's to say it's not hidden in that little park at the edge of your neighborhood?

Well, maybe not.

At least you'll have the endurance needed to keep looking for it.

Walking, like swimming increases your overall endurance and stamina.

Story Time?

How can you read The Three Little Pigs or Raggedy Ann and Andy to your grandchildren when you're huffing and puffing from the walk up the stairs to their bedroom?

The Wolf is Too Winded to Huff and Puff

Circulation?

Walking gets you off your duff and out into the fresh air. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to do more than one thing at a time. I've been known to enjoy the flowers and listen to the birds sing while walking ... without tripping even once.

Walking is good for your heart. Not only does it make you feel good, it improves circulation. That's a good enough reason to circulate through the neighborhood.

Walking is an aerobic exercise. It increases your heart rate which improves the blood circulation.

Find a Pretty Spot and Walk

Are You Dragging a Caboose?

Walking is not always easy, especially when dragging a caboose that insists on taking up the rear. Walk long enough and you'll leave that caboose behind.

Now That's a Nice Caboose!

Important!

A pound of fat is equal to 3,500 calories. To lose a pound a week, you need to burn 3,500 more calories than you eat each week.

The Omron HJ-112 Pocket Pedometer

Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer

The Omron HJ-112 Pocket Pedometer is an inexpensive, but high-tech pedometer. It can be carried in your pocket, purse or clipped to your belt. It accurately measures your steps and your time. From that you can get an accurate reading on your aerobic workout. It can measure your calorie consumption during your workout and tell you how far you've traveled.

I like the instant feedback the Omron HJ-112 Pocket Pedometer provides. It helps me stay focused on the ultimate goal, a healthier, happier lifestyle.

A Healthy Immune System

Walking promotes a good immune system and who wants to come down with a pesky cold? Colds make you achy and tired, and your nose runs and runs... I refuse to buy tissues by the case.

I'd rather walk.

Fighting Fit?

As we get older we lose bone density. Walking and other forms of exercise can slow that process.

Walking Soothed the Soul

There are a multitude of reasons to add walking to your daily routine. I like to walk. Not because it's the thing to do or because my doctor encourages it. I walk because it relaxes me. For a time I can set aside my worries and responsibilities, and enjoy the nature that surrounds me.

It's a time to reflect ...

Listen to the birds ...

Smell the flowers ...

Walk!

Find a Pretty Path and Walk

Getting Fit

Are you a walker?

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VickiSims Mar 25, 2011 @ 8:32 am | delete

Yes, I'm a walker. I've always enjoyed taking a walk. For me it is a great stress reliever. I love the fun way you've pointed out the benefits of walking in this lens. Blessed by the Healthy Living Sr. Citizens neighborhood Squid Angel.

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Tobbie Mar 7, 2010 @ 7:15 am | delete

Definitely! I walk everyday for an hour or more for the last 15 years. It's agreat way to relax and unwind from the day, meet new people and get exercise.

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Pukeko Feb 16, 2010 @ 1:13 am | delete

There is some really interesting information on walking here. Maybe I should go for a walk next time I am looking around for that fountain of youth :)

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Ramkitten Feb 9, 2010 @ 1:32 pm | delete

I also walk to relax AND to get my creative juices flowing for whatever writing project I'm working on. Something about the action of the feet, the legs, the arms and the fresh air inspires me and gives me ideas. My dog loves me for it, too!

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KarenTBTEN Feb 8, 2010 @ 8:21 pm | delete

I don't drive -- that right there goes a long way to making me a walker, but there are quite a few benefits to it.
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