KirbyAndersen.com

In my earlier post outlining several changes I made for better health at the beginning of 2008, I listed a daily walk for 30 minutes, at least 6 days a week. It may seem like a small thing but what a difference it makes.

I mainly walked on a treadmill the last few months due to the weather but am now starting to walk outside. Walking on the treadmill allowed me to catch up on Headline News (using my wireless headphones, of course). Walking outside gives me my personal boost through connecting with nature - particularly being greeted by my red-wing blackbirds.

Most of us really don’t do enough walking. You don’t have to walk fast - move at a good click but not so fast that you couldn’t keep up a conversation with someone. Some immediate benefits…

• obviously the aerobic benefits on your heart
• getting your circulation going
• energizing your mind - more alert
• a natural chiropractic adjustment
• better flexibility
• less stress on your joints as compared to jogging
• plus the bonus of knowing you’ve done something great for your health

Several studies have shown that walking several shorter intervals amounts to the same benefit of one longer walk; e.g., 3 10-minute walks if you can’t get in the 30-minute walk.

You can plug into your iPod or use the time to pray. Actually, I enjoy prayer much more while walking.

My health goals weren’t anything other than building habits I could live with for a lifetime and do just about anywhere: home, while traveling, etc. If you desire to own a treadmill for days when the weather isn’t cooperating, you can get a decent one for a couple hundred bucks. I prefer the early morning walk; yet, there are some days it doesn’t work out (e.g., forgetting to set the alarm and oversleeping). So my wife and I will take turns on the treadmill while talking or watching TV in the evening.

If you’re somewhat sedentary and the thought of exercise is a little scary for you, try simply walking. Even if you start off with only 10 minutes, great! You’re doing something that will accumulate many benefits over your remaining years for you and your loved ones.

What has been your experience with walking for better health?