I want to be just like them!

They move with liquidity and intention.

They are the walking queens.

There may be others, but these two are the constants on the streets. They are the ladies of the dawn hours. No matter the weather, they are out there.

Their age is indeterminate

Their age is indeterminate, but they both appear to be older than me by a few years, so likely in their seventies.

They do not walk together. They walk alone. I often wonder. Do they know each other?

Have you considered starting a walking routine?

If you have often peered out your window at the walkers in your neighbourhood this post is intended to provide you with the encouragement to step out that door and head on down the street.

I am a daily walker as well. I often say I walk more for my brain than I do for my body.

Throughout my adult life, I have relied on walking to bring balance into my life, and I view it as a natural way to deal with stress. If there is an issue that I need to address, there is a high probability that I will have found a solution by the end of my walk.

Walking is a wonderful way to strengthen your muscles, bones and connective tissues. With a regular program, you could reduce body fat, increase endurance and improve your cardiovascular health.

Walking is low impact and joint-friendly. Just as important is the benefit walking has on your mood and your mental health.

“Walking helps boost your mood because it increases blood flow and blood circulation to the brain and body. It has a positive influence on your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is your central nervous response system. This is good because the HPA axis is responsible for your stress response. When you exercise by walking, you calm your nerves, which can make you feel less stressed.” (webmd.com)

Benefits!

Benefits of walking

• Walking is free!
• You can walk alone or in a group.
• It’s low impact and you can walk anywhere!
• It increases brainpower, according to a New Mexico Highlands University study.
• Continuous activities such as walking are especially beneficial for your heart, lungs and circulatory system.
• It’s good for your mind.
• Walking in nature has been linked to improved mental health. (University of Michigan Health System).

Planning!

• Have a bottle of water, and a fully charged cell phone.
• My socks are specifically designed for working out and wearing running shoes. I like mine thin and short. You don’t want a blister popping up in the middle of your walk.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes that fit properly ~ I buy good quality running shoes at either the Running Room, Sport Chek or similar sport store, so that I can be assured of fit, comfort and cushioning for my joints and my back.
• Don’t ignore any pain. Rest and ice the irritated area. Once you are feeling less inflammation or pain you can resume activity. If you don’t see any improvement, seek your doctor’s advice.
• Wear comfortable clothing but remember you will likely “heat up” as you are walking so don’t overdress either.
• I walk outdoors in all weather conditions unless the sidewalks are icy. Watch your step ~ safety first!

6 Tips for Walking “Right” ~ (women’shealthmag.com/uk)

• Walk Tall ~ no slouching! Good posture helps you to take full breaths and will engage your core muscles.
• Look Up ~ keep your gaze forward rather than staring at the ground.
• Take smaller steps ~ overstriding can lead to injury and put too much pressure on your joints.
• Use your arms ~ move your arms backwards and forwards slightly across your body.
• Use control ~ practise walking slower at first so you can be conscious of all of the above and sense if there is any unnecessary tension in your shoulders, arms or back.
• Heel first ~ strike the ground with your heel first and roll through the step heel to toe.

Accessories

I like to be hands free so many years ago I ordered a belt with accessories you can add on. Here is one that is similar Hydration Belt. I carry my phone, kleenex, my keys and a small bottle of water.

Bonus Tip: Smile and enjoy the scenery and the sounds of your surroundings!

I like to hear the birds and revel in nature, so I do not wear ear buds, headphones and I don’t listen to music. That’s a personal choice.

Forget about the menopausal sagging that we are told to accept as part of aging! Get out there!

This morning during my regular morning walk, I saw one of the walking queens approaching.

She was walking on the opposite side of the street, walking in the opposite direction. As we passed each other, she glanced over and waved enthusiastically at me. My heart lifted. Maybe there is a chance I can still become one of the walking queens one day!

In the meantime, maybe I’ll channel my inner walking princess.

See you out there!

Be Bold, be Authentically you!

Donna