The Reasons We Walk
By Yvonne Shepherd - Founder and CEO of Women’s Fitness Adventures
The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other gives us freedom to go anywhere.
We can speed it up with running or slow it down with a stroll.
From the moment we are born, we are moving. From the tummy roll to sitting up, then crawling, then standing and then it is our very first steps. We fall down, get up, fall down again and again, until we have mastered it – walking.
Walking has so many health benefits - from boosting our heart health, increasing our blood flow, building endurance and stamina in our legs and enhancing clarity in our minds. It’s no wonder so many people are doing it the world over.
When we researched the members of Women’s Fitness Adventures about their reasons for walking, they told us that there are FOUR main reasons to walk. Each one valuable and each one bringing both physical and mental health benefits.
Purposeful walking
This is the process of getting from A to B for a specific reason. Perhaps it is to walk to the supermarket to pick up supplies or to walk to the train station or to walk to work.
As suburbs sprawl and cars give us more freedom to get places faster, walking for a purpose has declined. It’s faster, easier and quicker to take the car than walk. Next time you have to “duck to the shops” think about taking a walk. Your heart will thank you for it.
Walking for fitness
We’ve all done it – pounding the pavement with a daily walk. Whether you have a set time and route each day or you mix it up, walking is great for fitness.
Fast walking and adding in a few hills will elevate your heart rate and boost your cardio fitness. And walking for longer will build strength in your legs and begin to tone muscles. Being active everyday keeps the body and mind strong.
Walking for social
We love a good opportunity to catch up with the girlfriends. And what better way to do that than with a walk. Next time a friend suggests meeting for a coffee, suggest a walk first. Conversation will flow and you may find you end up walking further than you thought. You can always go for coffee at the end, knowing you have earned it.
Walking for stress
There’s nothing better than a good stride outside to clear the head and get clarity of thought. From stress, to grief, worry and anxiety, getting outside and walking, on your own, without headphones, conversation or distraction is a great way to get perspective.
Things ALWAYS seem better when we are outside. MOVING and being outside makes a stressful situation seem a little calmer. In times of high stress, if you can make it to nature, to a park, the bush or out on a trail, this is even better. This is where Mother Nature gets to wrap her arms around you as you take in the surrounds with all of your senses.
Yvonne Shepherd is the Founder and CEO of Women’s Fitness Adventures – an outdoor activity company that encourages women over 50 to become stronger for life through fitness, adventure and social connections.
They offer online and in person outdoor fitness training and adventures in Australia and around the world.
Use the special code of “ActiveTruth20” to receive $20 off an Annual Membership
Social links
Website www.womensfitnessadventures.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/womensfitnessadventures
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womensfitnessadventures
LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonneshepherd/
