Walking as exercise

Walking is one of the best exercises that you can do. You always have the equipment you need, attached to your body! It is simple, requires no special clothing or gear, and gets you where you need to go.

Even if you go to the gym regularly, you can still benefit from going for a walk in the fresh air. I like to carry small weights, and lift them over my head as I walk. My partner likes to kick a soccer ball and run on the beach or in a park while I walk. He also likes to run backwards, or up and down stairs while I am walking. I like to watch, and keep walking. 

If you are in an area with lots of rain or snow, look for a place you can walk indoors at work or near home. This could be a shopping mall, gym or large building complex. You can shop and get your exercise at the same time!

I went through a period of time recently when walking was my primary source of exercise. I had two walking partners, and 5 days a week we would meet around 9 am to go for a walk on the beach bike path. This was about a 4 mile daily walk, and in Long Beach it is warm and dry enough to walk outside 95% of the year. I found that I met my neighbors along the way, and it made me feel better to perform my work. 

Let’s go for a walk!