March 31, 2010

Walking- a better thing


My own treasured friends,

Some Marthas say, "It's a good thing." Our Martha Bear™, stuffed spokesbear for www.MarthaBear.com and www.GraciousJaneMarie.com, and star of her own online teddy bear short stories, says, "It's a better thing!" Martha is always looking out for all of the humans and critters who live with her at Stately Martha Manor. She considers walking to be one of those better things. To that end, she asked me to write a little something to encourage us all to get up and move.

The easiest form of exercise for most is walking. Whether a steady pace or speed walking, to save time and work more muscles, any walking is a healthy plus. It not only promotes circulation, it’s free! Get that blood pumping every chance you can. You’ll feel great mentally and physically, plus burn off calories to boot. If you don’t walk far enough to actually lose weight, just moving may help neutralize that last dessert.

Wear a pedometer to track your miles and encourage you. Most of these little machines will total your walking in steps or miles. Some insurance companies will include the cost of a pedometer as part of a wellness benefit. Available at local discount stores, make sure you get one with a string and clip to secure it to your pocket or waistband so you won’t lose it if and when it falls off. (Voice of experience- I lost one in a parking lot and two were victim to a potty!)

Of course, always check with your doctor as to what physical activity is best for you. Here are some ideas to increase your steps each day:

Make several trips either up and down the stairs or back and forth though the house taking one item at a time instead of carrying everything at once.

Carry the groceries into your residence, one bag at a time.

Next time you’re at the mall, park at one end and walk the length, making a full circle or two.

Park your car at the far end of all parking lots.

Go to a resort park, like Disney or Universal or the zoo. You’ll walk miles.

Go on a cruise and walk the decks repeatedly.

Go on a road trip to a new town and explore.

Go on a cemetery crawl, look for old dates on the tomb stones and learn some history in the process.

Don’t take a cart when you golf. Walk.

Visit a large store and count how many different departments it has.

Count the number of racks in a clothing store.

Walk up and down every aisle of a convenience store, not stopping to buy junk food. Tell the clerk you’re exercising so he won’t think you’re stalking the place. Eventually, he’ll recognize you for the nut you aren’t.

Visit your child’s school or university. Don’t just go straight to his/her classroom, dorm or game. Get permission where necessary for him/her to show you all the hallways and the campus.

Always take the stairs where you can.

Watch TV from a moving treadmill you’re using.

Plan family walks on a regular basis.

Walk to your house of worship if possible. If not, park several blocks away, allowing ample time to get there before the service begins.

Take a hike through the woods, greenway or beach and enjoy nature, identifying flora and fauna along the way.

Take a walking tour of an historic district in an old city or town anywhere in the world.

Attend a craft, art, or antique show, and pass every booth.

Count the number of cracks in the sidewalk with your child or grandchild.

Push a baby stroller with a baby or pet inside.

Start or join a walking club or group to encourage friends and meet new people.

Take up a hobby like photography or bird watching that requires walking.

Participate in the Cancer Foundation Relay for Life or other charity walk-a-thons.

Take a romantic walk in the rain when there is no lighting.

Don’t be deterred if it’s raining. Repeatedly walk a pattern around your house or apartment to the beat of your favorite up-tempo music. Hey, be wild and crazy and listen to new music with a peppy beat!

The point is to walk every chance you can. Viva la footsies!

Enjoy,

Jane Marie

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