Walk
Write

By Judy Heller

Judy Heller, founder of
Wonders of Walking LLC,
advocates walking for well being and pleasure. Wonders of Walking promotes Walking Events for Walkers by Walkers. Judy Heller is founder and owner of EroFit & Associates, LLC, celebrating Fitness for a Lifetime. Heller offers personalized fitness training and coaching for individuals and groups.
Contact: Judy Heller
at 503-282-1677:
email judy@erofit.com
jheller@wondersofwalking.com

Also visit: www.erofit.com
www.wondersofwalking.com

I only went out
for a walk and
concluded to stay out until sundown,
For going out,
I found
Was really going in.

— John Muir

Walking What We Know

We know walking is one of the best exercises — it strengthens almost every major organ in the body, promotes bone density, and boosts the immune system. Walking is good for our hearts, muscles, joints, and our spirits. Studies show walking briskly (four miles per hour) can lower the risks of heart attack, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. It contributes to weight reduction, hypertension, and cholesterol levels. Incredibly, walking uses almost all 650 muscles and 203 bones in the body. Walking requires no special equipment, and just about anyone can do it. We know this, because the studies tell us so.

And yet, we read repeatedly that Americans are facing an obesity and diabetic epidemic. We know that although we are inundated with the advice to exercise more and eat less, our health habits are getting worse. Our population, children and adults, grows larger and unhealthier with each passing year. We know that the factual information doesn’t seem to be forceful enough reason for people to make behavioral changes. According to Fat — Exploding the Myths (Lisa Colles), Americans are reported to spend between $30 billion to $50 billion each year on diet and weight loss programs, products, and pills; $6 billion of this is said to be spent on weight loss products and pills that are fraudulent. We know, then, that what we are doing isn’t working.

There are those, however, who do seem to be able to implement walking or other exercise programs with success. Do you find yourself asking, how can that be? How do they do it? What is it that keeps someone motivated day after day, week after week, year after year? It isn’t knowing the facts. It isn’t reducing the risk of disease. It isn’t sheer will power. It isn’t the power of making a New Year’s resolution. So, what is it?

I am always intrigued why people do what they do and how they keep themselves motivated. What works for others may help you. I asked four questions of walkers and share their answers with you.

Why do you walk?
• I walk for fitness and weight control. I also enjoy it (most of the time).
• To keep myself fit while enjoying the scenery. It’s easier on the knees than jogging.
• For exercise/weight loss/fun.
• I know it’s the best possible way to feel good and be outdoors enjoying nature.
• I walk because I don’t want to watch people having a life on TV instead of having a life of my own.
• First, and most important, it is for me.

How do you keep your self motivated?
• Mainly my walking partner and knowing there is a competition/event coming up.
• Mostly by preparing for competitions/events with my team and by myself.
• Not wanting to come in last on the next race! (A personal challenge to improve.)
• I try to entice others to walk with me as much as possible.
• Walking isn’t always fun. On cold rainy mornings it’s really hard to go out. But every single time I do my mood improves and I always feel pretty smug about how I’ve started my day.

What do you enjoy most about walking?
• Being outdoors and the good feelings I have during and after plus the companionship of walking with others.
• The feeling of accomplishment.
• Feeling fit and energetic.
• Muscle tone, lots of energy, fresh air and nature; also, the camaraderie during relays.
• I feel invigorated and mentally prepared for the day!
• I enjoy being out and watching my dog walk with me.

What benefits do you receive from walking?
• Helps improve fitness.
• Weight loss, mentally refreshed, challenged.
• It is amazing how you feel about yourself when you are trying to improve your health.
• Walking relieves stress built up over the day.
• Walking is a great assist for losing weight.
• Walking just gives you a feel-good feeling about yourself.

The side benefit of all this is greater stamina and endurance and better breathing.

What we know about people who stay motivated is they’ve discovered the joy in moving their bodies …the feel-good feelings associated with walking (exercise) that inspires them to stay active. We know that when you anchor what you are doing with what’s in it for you (pleasure), you’ve discovered the joy of doing. Walking can energize, improve our moods, reduce everyday stress, and improve our self-esteem. There is nothing special about these walkers, other than they have discovered the joy of walking.

I am very fortunate to have discovered the wonders of walking early on, and am able to share with others as an instructor and coach. I have coached those wanting better health, those looking for a new experience, the slowing runner, the competitive walker wanting to be faster, the racewalker, the Olympic hopeful. All have in common and share a love of walking whether slow or fast. All share in experiencing the joy and fun before, during, and after every walk.

I end with these wise words: “Sometimes I think why didn’t I start walking earlier, but I realize you can not change your past. You can use your past to change who you are now. . . and that is why I love to walk.”