I have always kept myself in shape, but I have noticed as I have got older, it's harder to keep my weight in check as well as motivate myself when joints get sore to actually get out and do something. Feeling a bit down about it one day, I just happened to bump into my personal trainer who had recently stopped work to have her first baby and she looked terrific.
Only 2 months after the birth, she was back to her old self, not an ounce of baby weight anywhere. After complimenting her on how she had managed to get back into shape so quickly, I asked her what she had done. This is the light bulb moment bit -- she walked, pushing bub in her buggy for one hour every day trying to get her little one to sleep. Walking was what had removed her extra baby weight, no strange diets or regimes, just plain old walking.
That got me thinking.
There are times that I really can't be bothered going for a run or a bike ride, so I can use walking as a "filler" exercise that will get me moving, albeit at a slower pace, because walking is better than doing nothing at all.
In one hour, I can speed walk 6kms, so I am not hanging about, but not fast enough to join the speed walking championships for 2015. I walk fast enough to be comfortable whilst elevating my heart rate to do some good at the same time. You'll find your own comfortable but challenging pace.
It's not just about burning extra calories though; I have "discovered" walking has other benefits too:
• It sets my mind up for the day
• The sun feels welcoming
• The rain feels exhilarating
• Getting sweaty is motivating
• The vitamin D is benefiting
• The surroundings can be inspiring
• It keeps my emotions in check
• It's a complete tonic
Unless you have a medical or physical disability, I think it's fair to say that the rest of us can walk during the day at some time; it's just a matter of allocating time and committing to doing it. I find early is best, before breakfast and the rest of the day, but if I do miss a morning for some reason, I go for a shorter one after dinner. Great for the digestion too!
We all have 24 hours in the day, we just choose to spend them the way we see fit, so I urge you to make walking a new habit for the rest of 2015 and beyond, starting today. Once you have done something over and over for a period of time, it naturally becomes a habit so by walking for one hour every day for a week, you are well on your way to your new norm.
Devote just six hours of your week to yourself (allow yourself a day off if you wish) time when you will go for your walk, sort through your thoughts and emotions, get your blood flowing a bit quicker and take in your surroundings. Now I don't think of it as an exercise filler, but as my walk time, part of being me.
So try it, I know you will love it.
Do you walk regularly? How do you keep your mind and body in check?