The Power of Walking

I used to run. I loved to run. It made me feel powerful and free. So why do I choose to walk? The answer is simple, the pain became too great. Running, an exercise that brought me so much joy, suddenly brought me so much pain. It started in my right foot, moved into my left hip, and settled into my lower back. Each step sent pain throughout my body. The ache in my hip would creep in slowly and intensify throughout the day. So, one day I took a stand and said “I give up”. Today I will do something good for my body and I will walk.

Walking makes me feel powerful and strong. When I take off at a brisk pace while gazing at the early morning sunrise, I listen to the birds chirping and breathe in the fresh air. Walking keeps me thin and fit. It restores my soul and energizes my spirit. Best of all, it is pain free.

Some people say that walking is for wimps, but I disagree. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, brisk walking is the best form of exercise. It is easy and simple to do and it doesn’t cause long-term damage to the body. Walking is also great for your heart. It reduces the risk of developing a chronic disease like diabetes, cancer, or high blood pressure, helps you manage your weight, and alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety. Daily walking is perhaps the best thing you can do to age gracefully and restore your soul. The Okinawa who are known for their healthy longevity, do not run marathons, they walk daily. So, my prescription for long-term weight loss and good health is 30-45 minutes of walking every day. Consistency is more important than intensity. After all, a small drip can turn a bolder into tiny pebbles one drop at a time with consistency.

Today when I lace up my shoes and step out the door for my daily power walk I hold my head high as I watch the runners panting along, hobbling in pain. I continue on my path and feel the blood pumping through my body, propelling me forward one step at a time. I feel invigorated and refreshed as I repeat my new mantra: “Walking makes me powerful, healthy, confident, and strong”. So I challenge all of those who would like to improve their health, reduce their risk of chronic disease, lose weight, reduce stress, and gain energy to step out the door and take a 30 minute walk. And those of you who continue to succumb to the pressure to run, despite the agony and pain, I challenge you to take a stand and do something that feels good to your body - WALK. As you walk briskly in the warm, sunny, summer air, repeat your own mantra: “Walking makes me feel amazing”.