I love my daily walks. I've never been a gym girl. I've taken Zumba, Jazzercise classes and the like, but for some reason, just never connected with them.
I started running thirty years ago when I was in college. Most of my girlfriends took aerobics classes back then, but it always seemed to me to be nothing more than just mindlessly jumping around. I could also never get into that "Zen" state in aerobics classes and I detested that I had to conform to the schedule.
But running seemed to be total freedom. Whenever the mood struck, I could lace up my shoes for a long run along the Charles River (I went to college at BU), and sink into my own thoughts without having to follow someone's directions about where to step next or what to do with my arms.
When I moved to NYC from Boston, Central Park became my track, then I moved up to Connecticut where there are endless miles of country roads to be run.
Eventually, as I aged, my body let me know that running was no longer a good thing. My knees and hips just couldn't take it any more.
So I slowed the pace down to a quick walk which is still just as calming as my run.
When I get to walk outside, I take note of the changing of the seasons. I always have my IPod on for musical inspiration, as I keep up the pace and look out for deer, turkeys and other wild-life.
As it turns out, walking is good for both the body and the mind as you can read here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100913/lf_nm_life/us_fitness_walking.
So, I guess I'll keep on walking, knowing that it not only keeps the pounds at bay, but keep me mentally alert and fit as well.
I've never been in a gym or taken a class! Walking has always been my exercise of choice -- sometimes more, sometimes less. Right now, thanks to my four-legged friend, it's "more." Lots more. Most of my daily steps come from walking her, and I'm generally accumulating more than 10,000 steps. One day last week it was over 14,000.
ReplyDeleteWorks for me....
Wosnes, You go girl.
ReplyDeleteI still run though my 48 year old knees punish me for it later. Every time I try to walk I end up running anyway. However I know at some point soon I will need to give it up, I am dreading the day I have to give up running.
ReplyDeleteI used to love going to the gym but for strength training not aerobics. Now I do that at home and can't imagine going back to a gym. I like the freedom of not driving to a gym and being able to work out by myself.
I do believe regular exercise is crtical for optimum health. It is a shame most Americans don't share that idea. Maybe one day that will change.
Ali