Walking as a Lifestyle

While living in a downtown high rise, I've come to realize the importance of coming down from such a high elevation to see and interact with the environment on the ground. It's not an interaction that can be achieved by hopping into a car, or even saddling a bike. Quite simply, one must walk.

By my judgment, the past two months of walking on a nightly basis have alleviated the affects of the winter time blues and almost all of my symptoms of sciatica. But the key to all of this walking has been balance. The first step is walking through the door and into the world.

According to The Walking Site http://www.thewalkingsite.com, walking is "the easiest and most profitable form of exercise." All that is required is a pair of shoes with a flexible, low heel, and comfortable clothing to fit the season. It's recommended that if you continue walking as part of your healthy daily routine, you should replace your walking shoes as often as you change your oil-every three to six months.

Walking tall can help improve your posture as well as reduce muscle strain on your lower back and abdomen. Your shoulders should be relaxed, pulled down from your neck, and back to bring the center of your balance to your sternum. Of course one of the main questions of beginner walkers before they set out is the ultimate destination of their walk. It is helpful to find a map of your city, or at least your vicinity and pick a park close by, or some natural and relaxing feature of your environment to mark your destination. As you progress as a walker you can begin to look outside of your immediate area-perhaps there are hills you'd like to see, or a lake or a park. Let these places be your goals.

Another important part of walking is taking in your environment. It's important to allow your senses to take in the smell of restaurants you pass, or the smell of pine trees in a park. Even the sound of children laughing on a playground can have a positive affect on your mood and heart rate. Don't let these things be lost in your concentration. Never outpace your surroundings.

Of course there are several things to be aware of as a walker. One of the biggest complaints of beginning walkers is an itch in the shins and thighs during or following a walk. While the direct cause of this is not known, it has been traced to two roots: poor circulation on dry skin. If this is a problem you encounter during the winter seasons, try putting lotion on your legs before walking. If this does not alleviate the itching, it might be wise to seek a doctor's opinion before continuing your walking regimen.

Be patient with yourself. Don't attempt a 60 minute walk on your first try. Start as small as ten minutes, around your block or neighborhood. But most of all, be consistent and don't be easily discouraged. At the end of your walk, toast a tall glass of water and look forward to your next outing!