Walking to stay healthy doesn’t have to be boring.
Our family started walking at the Bryan Elementary School track many years ago. My daughter, Charleene, worked hard to try to keep up with her dad and, in doing so, developed his style of running and walking. To this day I can watch them walk together and see that same expression of their shared purpose and commitment for exercise.
Today we live on a major trail in Plant City where I observe many different approaches to walking. The important message is to move in your own way and just keep regular.
Fun with family
No matter how the family interacts, everyone can have fun while getting their exercise. Make it your own with good memories that last forever.
The whole group can break into laughter at the antics of little Johnny, or even at Mom when she’s scared by a lizard. Some make this a discovery time, too, looking for hidden prizes in nature as they walk the trail. The big debate might be around whether family members should hold hands as they walk. There’s usually one who wants to run ahead and back like the scout in the old western TV shows. Children can use their tricycles to help them keep pace with the rest of the crew.
Walking and meditation
Numerous research studies at the University of Massachusetts confirm meditation to have calming benefits that reduce high blood pressure, depression and anxiety, as well as improve insomnia.
Meditating while walking has the double benefit of improving circulation and muscle tone. To get started, simply focus inwardly on your breath as you walk. Feel the expansion of your ribcage with each inhalation. During exhalation, connect to the movement of the body’s core as muscles push the used air out. This inward focus relaxes the body and reduces stress.
Creative time
Several writers I know use walking as a source of creativity. As they stroll with a slow to medium-paced walk, their minds sift through ideas and facts to connect all the dots for new projects.
Regular walking is not new to the creatives as many writers, painters and sculptors around the world attest to walking benefits for inspiration. As a business person, I have used walking as a tool to find new ideas for ventures and better ways to get things done.
Power walking
Charging ahead, the power walker walks fast and with purpose. Nothing gets in their way including other walkers, obstacles or random surprises on the path.
The rapid pace provides exercise but the intensity can disrupt integration of mind and body. This walker might be just as stressed, or even more so, at the end of their walk as when they started. Power walking can be more effective if a mind/body connection is deliberately incorporated. Count 20 steps by the right foot and switch to count 20 more on the left foot. Continue alternating the step count until subtle relaxation occurs. Then, end the exercise with power walking for 50 steps and slow walking for 50, letting the step count keep the mind busy.
Socialize while walking
Walking with friends is a great way to exercise and build human bonds. Make new friends around the path with strangers that share your interest in health and wellness.
Walking groups have been shown to reduce cholesterol, lower resting heart rate and keep body weight under control. Regular walking improves brain function and reduces memory problems in the elderly.
Walking in Plant City
Your own neighborhood may offer safe streets with the side benefit of getting a neighborhood walking group together. Try the Plant City park facilities at both the Dr. Hal and Lynn Brewer Park and Marie B. Ellis Park. Some walk the paved pathway at Courier Field at the Veterans Memorial Park. Walking and hiking can be enjoyed at Medard Park, located on Turkey Creek Road south of Highway 60. Treadmills at the gym work, too.
Just walk with style — your style.
Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health based out of Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.
