One more: Walking actually grows your brain. Neurologists used to be certain that the brain stopped growing at adulthood, but recently they took off their theory goggles and LOOKED at what really happens.
Rhythmic activity makes new neurons at any age, which probably accounts for the creativity and relief from depression.
New paths for the feet = new paths in the brain, not laden with old memories and troubles.
Thank you for this inspiration, Cindy! I concur whole-heartedly on the benefits of regular walking and hiking. I'd add an 11th one: It strengthens your courage and ability to question authority and not just comply with whatever the mainstream dogma tells you to do.
I used to be a long distance runner, but scaled that back by my mid-20s (playing a lot of full court basketball back then). Walking is quite a bit easier on the joints, especially on hard surfaces. Not having a car makes it an even easier choice to just walk, and given that the nearest grocery store is about 25 minutes away, well, there is an element of walking not to starve at play in this scenario. Aristotle was most likely an asshole, based on much of his philosophy, but he is somewhat known for founding the Walking School (peripatetics) of Philosophy, the Lyceum, so he gets at least one good mark for that. Congratulations on the Award!
Last November on my birthday I began a 3 miles per day 60-day challenge into the New Year. I missed a few days due to weather - and I don't have a treadmill; really I only want to walk outdoors though! Decided to keep going once we got into gregorian 2024. Then I heard that Oprah does 3-5 miles daily plus some 10 mile hikes on weekends and since I'm almost 30 years her junior, I decided I shouldn't be outdone, especially not by someone who has had knee surgery. Seriously asked myself: what is my excuse?!? So last month I upped my daily constitutional to 5 miles per day. So far so good! I use the MapMyWalk app and do enjoy the gamification and psychological encouragement from such tracking apps.
I greatly admire this and struggle to get 10K; my excuse is working 40 hours a week. I need to try harder. I get up and walk at work when I have things to read which looks goofy but is better than sitting. And I know you add to this regimen healthy plant foods <3
When I worked behind a desk many years ago (before I had children, even), I was on the 6th floor. A coworker and I used to run up and down the stairs on our afternoon break to wake our brains up. Like I said above, many people are buying inexpensive walking pads to walk while they work. I write at home, so I can jump up and go walk around the block for a break but many days, I am out before 6am to get my steps in a little more peace and quiet.
Walk twice daily with my dog. I meditate or problem solve on my walks. As a retired mental health counselor I discovered that the bi-lateral “stimulation” that walking provides is comparable to EMDR which is a technique used to help persons with PTSD. There is a reason for that saying that if one is upset the best thing one can do at times is go for a walk.
Wonderful practical advice, Cindy. I used to jog 8/10 of a mile into my 70s, and still can if needed, but do need to walk more. Thanks for this summation why.
Great stuff, Cindy. We are the Walking Species, for sure. Homo Sapiens ambulando. However, the average person in USA walks maybe four hundred yards.
Here, Doctor John Francis, Planet Walker, I interviewed. After a massive oil spill polluted San Francisco Bay in 1971, John Francis gave up all motorized transportation. For 22 years, he walked everywhere he went — including treks across the entire United States and much of South America — hoping to inspire others to drop out of the petroleum economy. Author of “Planet Walker.”
I just got back from Mexico, I walked miles every day. Today I braved the weather here and went out for a walk but the cold north wind blew me home rather quickly! I love to walk! Congrats tho, I don't know anyone who consistently walks 7 miles a day!!
Check out walking pads...they are smaller treadmills. I have one for when it's bad weather. I way prefer working outside, though. Welcome back to the AmeriKKKa
I actually have a full size treadmill in my living room which I do use during the winter, but I also belong to a gym so usually do 2 miles on the treadmill before my workout, followed by yoga. Just started a zumba class in Mexico and it was so fun I'm going to them now at my gym. It feels good to be 70 and strong!!
I go to my gym about 5 times a week to work out in the pool and take a hot tub dip. I also love working out in water. I used to swim laps, but, at this point in my life, I cannot find goggles that don't give me a migraine. As a Cancer, I am a water nymph, I think.
I get this!!! I grew up in the state of 10,000+ lakes, we were in the water every weekend. When I lived in Bacalar, I swam every morning at sunrise. Don't get much swimming outdoors these days as the lakes nearby are all pretty much poison, but man I love me some good clean water to swim in!!
As a person ages they tend toward a more sedentary lifestyle. No good! You need more circulation and exercise to keep blood pressure down to normal to prevent diabetes, heart problems etc. etc. Obesity is a curse not to be wished on anyone!
One more: Walking actually grows your brain. Neurologists used to be certain that the brain stopped growing at adulthood, but recently they took off their theory goggles and LOOKED at what really happens.
Rhythmic activity makes new neurons at any age, which probably accounts for the creativity and relief from depression.
New paths for the feet = new paths in the brain, not laden with old memories and troubles.
Thank you for this inspiration, Cindy! I concur whole-heartedly on the benefits of regular walking and hiking. I'd add an 11th one: It strengthens your courage and ability to question authority and not just comply with whatever the mainstream dogma tells you to do.
Word!
I used to be a long distance runner, but scaled that back by my mid-20s (playing a lot of full court basketball back then). Walking is quite a bit easier on the joints, especially on hard surfaces. Not having a car makes it an even easier choice to just walk, and given that the nearest grocery store is about 25 minutes away, well, there is an element of walking not to starve at play in this scenario. Aristotle was most likely an asshole, based on much of his philosophy, but he is somewhat known for founding the Walking School (peripatetics) of Philosophy, the Lyceum, so he gets at least one good mark for that. Congratulations on the Award!
I don't have a car either. Good on you. Walking for groceries is the best!
Last November on my birthday I began a 3 miles per day 60-day challenge into the New Year. I missed a few days due to weather - and I don't have a treadmill; really I only want to walk outdoors though! Decided to keep going once we got into gregorian 2024. Then I heard that Oprah does 3-5 miles daily plus some 10 mile hikes on weekends and since I'm almost 30 years her junior, I decided I shouldn't be outdone, especially not by someone who has had knee surgery. Seriously asked myself: what is my excuse?!? So last month I upped my daily constitutional to 5 miles per day. So far so good! I use the MapMyWalk app and do enjoy the gamification and psychological encouragement from such tracking apps.
Thanks for sharing your walk with us! It's so therapeutic, I find,! 🚶♂️
A FREE therapy!
And non-toxic!
I greatly admire this and struggle to get 10K; my excuse is working 40 hours a week. I need to try harder. I get up and walk at work when I have things to read which looks goofy but is better than sitting. And I know you add to this regimen healthy plant foods <3
When I worked behind a desk many years ago (before I had children, even), I was on the 6th floor. A coworker and I used to run up and down the stairs on our afternoon break to wake our brains up. Like I said above, many people are buying inexpensive walking pads to walk while they work. I write at home, so I can jump up and go walk around the block for a break but many days, I am out before 6am to get my steps in a little more peace and quiet.
I will look into a walking pad! It is 70 steps up to my office. And it is good to have steps in our homes, unless we fall on them!
Walk twice daily with my dog. I meditate or problem solve on my walks. As a retired mental health counselor I discovered that the bi-lateral “stimulation” that walking provides is comparable to EMDR which is a technique used to help persons with PTSD. There is a reason for that saying that if one is upset the best thing one can do at times is go for a walk.
Thanks! Yes, I feel all these benefits.
xo
yep!
Wonderful practical advice, Cindy. I used to jog 8/10 of a mile into my 70s, and still can if needed, but do need to walk more. Thanks for this summation why.
get to it!!!
Great stuff, Cindy. We are the Walking Species, for sure. Homo Sapiens ambulando. However, the average person in USA walks maybe four hundred yards.
Here, Doctor John Francis, Planet Walker, I interviewed. After a massive oil spill polluted San Francisco Bay in 1971, John Francis gave up all motorized transportation. For 22 years, he walked everywhere he went — including treks across the entire United States and much of South America — hoping to inspire others to drop out of the petroleum economy. Author of “Planet Walker.”
https://www.spokesman.com/audio/2010/may/14/john-francis/
I road my bicycle from Santa Monica to Wash DC in 2013...maybe I need to walk?
I love to walk, too. You have inspired me to up my game!!!
I just got back from Mexico, I walked miles every day. Today I braved the weather here and went out for a walk but the cold north wind blew me home rather quickly! I love to walk! Congrats tho, I don't know anyone who consistently walks 7 miles a day!!
7.62 today!
Check out walking pads...they are smaller treadmills. I have one for when it's bad weather. I way prefer working outside, though. Welcome back to the AmeriKKKa
I actually have a full size treadmill in my living room which I do use during the winter, but I also belong to a gym so usually do 2 miles on the treadmill before my workout, followed by yoga. Just started a zumba class in Mexico and it was so fun I'm going to them now at my gym. It feels good to be 70 and strong!!
I go to my gym about 5 times a week to work out in the pool and take a hot tub dip. I also love working out in water. I used to swim laps, but, at this point in my life, I cannot find goggles that don't give me a migraine. As a Cancer, I am a water nymph, I think.
I get this!!! I grew up in the state of 10,000+ lakes, we were in the water every weekend. When I lived in Bacalar, I swam every morning at sunrise. Don't get much swimming outdoors these days as the lakes nearby are all pretty much poison, but man I love me some good clean water to swim in!!
Yes!!!
As a person ages they tend toward a more sedentary lifestyle. No good! You need more circulation and exercise to keep blood pressure down to normal to prevent diabetes, heart problems etc. etc. Obesity is a curse not to be wished on anyone!
Yep, so true
Life on the shank.. May they be long for you.
Vaya con Dios!
Yes. There are even walking pads people use at work now