5 Reasons To Start Walking Today!

I started walking regularly on November 3, 2007. Why do I know this? Because I wrote it down! Since then I try to walk twice a day. First thing in the morning after breakfast, I take a brisk half an hour walk. At the end of the day, sometime after dinner, I take a more leisurely half an hour stride.

When I first started this regimen, I really stressed about the fact that I “must” go walking. Over a period of time I have gotten used to it. Eventually it became second nature. I really don’t like missing my walks now. I feel good, as I commute to work, knowing that I got some exercise. You could too!

Here is my list of 5 Reasons To Start Walking Today. Notice that it is not a list of strictly health reasons. Don’t get me wrong, their are plenty of health reasons to start exercising. I’m trying to point out that there are other reasons that could motivate you to get active. AND becoming more healthy would be a positive side effect.

1. Time For Reflection

This one is important to me. I always walk alone in the morning. No music and no people, just my puppy dog. I think about yesterday, today and tomorrow. What happened. What I could have done differently? What do I need to do? I usually make a mental game plan for the day.

2. Increased Energy Level

When I get done walking, showered and dressed, I feel great! No really, I’m not kidding. I feel like a million bucks. My energy level is much higher than it used to be first thing in the morning. And the funny thing is, I have scaled back my coffee to one cup a day. I actually feel more vibrant now than when I was a caffeine addict! I believe that if you started walking today, you would feel a noticeable change in your energy level by this time next week. “No way” you say, prove me wrong.

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3. Enjoy Your Surroundings

Another aspect I have really come to enjoy, is observing my surroundings. It might be my neighbors cats. Squirrels fighting with each other. Or the dog running the length of fence barking at me. In any case, I have really become captivated with what is going on around me. I was in New York City recently and kept up my walking routine while there. It was a completely different atmosphere than what I am used to. The streets are smothered with cars. The sidewalks are crowded with people, walking quickly to their destinations, sipping their Starbucks. Steam rises from the sewer vents. Taxis are honking like crazy. And it’s only 6:30 AM.

4. Spend Quality Time With Family

Many times my evening walks are shared by my daughter. We have great conversations about our days happenings and just about anything else we can think of to talk about. It has become a nice nightly tradition. Well, it’s not every night, she’s a teenager and subject to change her mind at any time.  Sometimes she doesn’t want to go. I don’t push and usually in a day or two she asks if she can join me.

5. It’s Inexpensive!

Compared to joining an over-priced gym, walking can be done on the cheap! You will need a good pair of walking shoes and some comfortable clothing, maybe an MP3 player. But that’s it, no set of clubs, memberships, racquet’s, roller blades or bicycles. That’s what I’m talking about!

I hope you will consider my 5 Reasons To Start Walking Today. Of course there are all kinds of health reasons, as well. The sooner you start, the sooner it will become part of your daily routine. And before you know it, you’ll be getting upset because you can’t take your walk today! So, I challenge you to skip the morning news and take a morning stroll. Already have a walking routine? Let us know about it!

Tagged as: Exercise • walking