Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Tomorrow is National Start! Walking Day



The graphic really says it all, but tomorrow, April 8th, is National Start! Walking Day, sponsored by the American Heart Association.

I enjoy walking. Always have. Back when I was a teenager and it was rare for teens to have their own cars, walking was one of my main modes of transportation. I'd walk to places most took the public bus to, including the nearest mall, some 6 miles away. I'd walk there, window shop, then walk back.

Walking fatigues the body in a different way than choreographed cardio or weight training. For me, it's a "feel good", like I'm using my body the way God intended. And the nice thing is anyone can do it almost anywhere, taking into account that some neighborhoods are safer than others. Both in NY and FL, I've walked around the track a nearby local school. I've also walked through the streets, a great way to get to know the area more personally, meet neighbors, and interact with nature. The best of all was the walking I did last summer campaigning for President Obama.

The recommendation is 30 minutes a day but hey, if you can only walk ten minutes a day, that's ten minutes more than you're doing now. Increase slowly and always remember to stretch before and after. (Can't say I always stretch before, but I've never been hurt even after miles of walking.)

So, why not give it a go? Get up and walk a little. Start! walking!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

2 comments:

Megan DiMaria said...

You've inspired me to walk more. I sometimes forget how much I love walking. I've been avoiding the dreadmill, but I'll hop on it regularly.

In the meantime, it's going to be 65 degrees in Colorado today, and my daughters and I will take our puppy for a walk.

BTW, Patricia. My family is from New Hyde Park. I look forward to visiting them this summer, and eating wonderful NY food!

PatriciaW said...

The "dreadmill"? That's funny! 65 deg is great walking weather. Not too cool, not too hot.

Ooh, don't tell me what you're favorite foods are! Just came back from a trip where among other things, my son had to have White Castle.