Staying fit should not be complicated or costly...I know if it is I won't do it!
If it is simple and convenient I know that if I keep at it, success will surely follow.
I didn't always feel this way...I thought I could keep fit without much effort...
I was lazy and I admit it was short sighted of me not to put much effort into exercise.
I now choose to walk...it's that simple.
walking...is free
it keeps my bones strong
it burns calories and helps to keep my weight in check
when I walk with a friend...we chat and stop for tea before returning home
when I walk alone I look at the scenery and listen to the sounds of nature
I often stop to take a picture of something that I think beautiful
greeting other walkers along the route imparts a sense of belonging...a community of walkers
many are the same faces that pass
and some are new
most are smiling
even when the winds blow and the raindrops fall
I am so much happier when I walk.
Walking as not something that I did regularly when I worked...
and I now know I could have avoided so much anxiety and stress if I had adopted a regular walking regime...
the weight gain every year which sent my self esteem plummeting
And then there was the sky rocketing blood pressure and prescription medication that I was on for a year...
tick tock it's time to get serious!
My physician read me the riot act and said I needed to lose at least 10% of my body weight or I would be jeopardizing my health...so I joined Weight Watchers.
I purchased a pair of good walking shoes, a pair of black Lands' End performance pants and a bright coloured hooded jacket.
I started slow and revved up my pace, starting with a 20 minute jaunt and then a brisk 60 minutes.
I've written this post in hopes to inspire
and to remind myself that I need to remain committed to fitness.
I have slacked off a bit and the scale has reflected the recent slip...
I'm feeling rather sheepish, guilty is a better word...
and it will become very evident when I weigh in at WW this week.
I know that I need to get back on track
I'm going to make walking a renewed focus in my daily routine.
I'll capture some of the beauty
that I see along the way and share it with you here on the blog.
Renewed focus...directed energy...a commitment to health.
I think we are worth it don't you?
What do you do to stay fit and healthy?
32 comments:
It's wonderful that you have managed to improve your health and lifestyle in the way you have. Reading about your journey is inspiring. I like that there is nothing "faddish" or extreme about your approach. Also glad to read your furry friend has recovered. Mary
You knew I was waiting for you to inspire me. Would you belive I gained weight after very serios surgery? Personally I do think a lof ot it is fluid but still. I've been putting off joining WW and putting off walking. So I think I'll join you on this journey and rejoin WW and start walking. I really have no excuse. So keep on inspiring us all. Thanks.
Your attitude is very healthy and wise. Maintenance of our bodies and health becomes more important with every year. And you have such a lovely walking route!
Good for you! Walking regularly is probably one of the best gifts you can give yourself!
Walking is what I do, too, although I joined a fitness class with a friend in January. I probably won't renew my short subscription as I find the walking and some free weights at home easier for my body to handle.
You've done so well with your walking, L, and have inspired me and many others who read your blog. Walking in our community is lovely at any time of year, isn't it?
I do an aerobics and weight training class three times a week which has become a high point of my week. The class members are delightful and I look forward to working out with them every time. That said, I need more and hope that the terrible weather we've been having subsides soon. You have inspired me to get back to walking.
I love to walk as well, inside or on my treadmill, where I work out harder doing inclines and jogging some. I also do TRX for weight training which is very important for our health as well.
I think we've all probably slacked off some after the holidays, and then I had a virus - but started back yesterday. Need to cut portions some again too.
I'm a walker too. I absolutely LOVE walking. I became more consistent when I invested in an iPod Shuffle and a pair of good quality noise-cancelling headphones for when I'm walking by myself. I listen to podcasts and talking books and now look forward to my walks like never before.
What a timely post! I fell away from WW when I went travelling and it has been 3 months. Although I walk with a friend, I really need to go longer and faster. I need to charge the iPod and do another walk. I've 3 weeks until I'm in Mexico and hopefully volunteering and working on my book. You truly are an inspiration to another petite curvy lady! Merci!
You do have an amazingly beautiful place to walk! I need to do this too. Why does it seems do hard when all I have to do is put shoes on snd go out the door? It's silly of me. I'm going to try your approach and simply do it. Thanks for the timely inspiration!!
I need to lose fifteen pounds, and was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure.
I have to admit I'm very sedentary,and have never exercised, and only walk when I'm shopping.
I walk every day, but only two or three miles, it is a basic in my fitness program. I also wonk out with my trainer twice a week and attend a couple of yoga classes...but it all starts with as you say simple walking. Like you I meet people and have made some very good "walking" friends. My only regret is that I don't have such beautiful surroundings as you do, it is so lovely where you live. Enjoy!
You go girl - back into your walking routine. It is hard to keep up when we are in the winter, but it does one good to keep moving. I've been slipping up a bit too since Christmas (with the eating more than the exercising, but still - I need to get back on track).
OK, I am ready to start walking again tomorrow!!! You have inspired me, just wish I could come walk with you along the water:)
I think of you every time I walk on my treadmill. I think of you every time I think it's all too hard.
Thank you. Linda C.
So very good for you. :D Really and truly, walking is the best exercise there is. I used to figure skate for 14 years with the Olympics firmly in my sights, so skating is something I really love to do. I also used to swim competitively and still love to go for a swim, and to ski, but these sports take so much dedication, organisation and extra time, that they are once a week sorts of things. I belong to a yoga studio and do yoga 3 times/week and I just usually walk or hike every day. C has a barre bar in her room, and it's great for a few good stretches. You know what really helps me though? It's a trifle sort of thing but really adds up. Morning and evening exercises on the floor. Just five or so little repetitive exercises, ten of each of a couple gentle stretches plus 20 stomach crunches, 10 bum lifts, and maybe 10 push ups, (the girly kind), but you would be amazed at how better the leg toning, stomach muscles and arm flab is after a few months of these, with no bother, pain or gym membership fees for me. And, best of all, they take maybe fine minutes out of my morning and evening. :D
I fight this too! I always have, so at least I'm used to it by now. I have swung so radically in every direction that only now am I finally figuring out that little steps are most impactful as they are easier to maintain. I think right now one of the hardest things I'm doing is meditating. This is difficult for me as, like so many people, I have constant mental electricity. Actually achieving a meditative state is very hard, but once I get there I feel so much lighter afterward. It helps me balance the scale of my mind and put things in piles, rather than every little or big thing swirling together. But I think keeping focus on when you're hungry and what you're actually craving (often not food) is important for someone like me who would rather focus on making a fabulous meal than hammering out what's upsetting/worrying me. I'd imagine your walks are your meditation.
I'm a fellow walker. It is my form of meditation, along with my main form of exercise. You have such a beautiful place to walk in - I walk there with my son's family when I'm visiting them. I think you need to forgive yourself for slipping up a bit in your health routines over the past couple of weeks. January is a tough month, and was made even more difficult for you because your cat was unwell.
I am walking on my treadmill, as it's too icy and snowy to walk outside. Walking outside is much nicer, though. I hurt my back so have not been doing weights and yoga, which I had just started. Probably went at it too fast. But the walking seems to feel good for my back. Thanks for the continuing inspiration.
I would ask your physician before embarking on a fitness regime just in case there are factors regarding your surgery that you need to consider...WW will be fine though!
I hope you are on the mend and that your prognosis is favourable.
The route was chosen specifically for it's beauty and variety!
We have been fortunate with such a mild winter...it has made it so much easier to get outdoors. I would be house bound if it were icy and would certainly need to purchase a treadmill.
Good for you and the camaraderie is a major bonus!
Glad to hear that you are feeling better and able to get out and about now...you'll be back to your fit self soon :-)
I pass many walkers with Ipods...I walk in peace, not because I don't have the technology...I think I need the quiet.
I was up 2 pounds over my 2 pound allowance over goal at weigh in so I had to pay...
so I need to shed 4 pounds!
Your new projects sound so interesting...I hope you'll keep your blog posts coming while you are away...
It gets easier too when you start a new habit like this...20 minutes to begin is not too much of a challenge.
Shopping and walking... sounds like a fun combo!
Try to park farther away from the mall and walk...then walk in the mall and walk back to your car...shop often!
I love Yoga but have stopped going to the studio even though it is close to my house...sounds like you've got a great routine and it is working for you.
I amvery impressed that you were once training for the Olympics!
Stephen I do walk in the quiet and meditate...it is so difficult to turn off a busy brain with all the technology that we have at our disposal...I think it makes us more stressed if we do not pull ourselves away from the computer and TV.
Being mindful has many benefits and it helps when choosing healthy foods and you are so right about paying attention to craving things. Have you tried Yoga?
I used to talk, when my best friend was in town. Now I find it too lonely to walk alone, so I do it when my husband is willing to put up with my slowish pace. I also go to a personal trainer twice week, quite the luxury, but I'm willing to give up all kinds of things for my growing strength.
A most lovely post my dear! Isn't walking the very best … especially out in nature! I myself have also realized the need to get back at it regularly! I am happy to stay I have been steadfast with it since the beginning of this year 5-6 days a week. Not only do I feel so much better physically … but it the regained mental focus and health … that has been the most important gift! So lovely to hear you champion it's importance here! Kudos to you and your healthy quest my dear! xo
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