Benefits of Walking

Top 6 Reasons Why You Should Walk

Movement has a powerful effect on one’s mind, one’s emotions and of course, one’s body. If your thoughts are spinning around in your head, your body is tense and you can’t seem to focus, consider taking a 10-15 minute walk. As you move, breathe in deeply and out slowly allowing the air to fill your lungs. Your body and your mind are one, connected by the breath. Walking can clear the mind and relax the body.

Risa Olinsky, author of WHY WALK (amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com), says, “As we age, things will hurt. I’ll take the aches and pains of being active versus those of not. I walk because I can and if the day comes that I can’t, I’ll be grateful I did when I could.”

Children move without thinking about “why.” They just do it – they simply move. It’s natural, it’s what we’re meant to do, but somehow what seems so natural fades away as we age and life gets complicated. It’s easy to come up with excuses, but once you start a walking routine, you just might get hooked on the joy of walking on a regular basis. Read on for some additional reasons why you should schedule a walk soon.

Why Walk?

• Have arthritis? Walk to lubricate your joints. Have a hip or knee replacement? Walk to strengthen your joints.
• Stressed? Walk to relax, breathe and reduce the cortisol flowing through your body.
• Lonely, or simply alone? Walk with others to connect and meet new people.
• Have you moved to a new place? Walk to explore your new neighborhood.
• On a budget and can’t afford health club fees or expensive equipment?
  Walking is FREE! Lace up your shoes and go for a walk…. It’s that easy.
• Care about the planet? Walk to reduce your carbon footprint.

You can get all the benefits above, and be able to feed hungry neighbors by participating in Table to Table’s Virtual Walk taking place throughout the month of April. For more details and to register visit www.tabletotable.org/virtualwalk.

Risa Olinsky is a Certified Health & Wellness Coach and Personal Trainer and President of FreeWalkers, Inc. Freewalkers, a non-profit organization open to all, offers over 40 free walks each year.

Artist Credit: Carol Hsiung