Jazz Up Your Walks
With 10 Easy Exercises
Written By: Jeanie Blanton
Published at Smashwords
Copyright © 2010 By: Jeanie Blanton
All rights reserved, you may not copy or reproduce this book in whole or in part in any form.
This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subjects addressed in the publication. It is sold with the understanding that the authors and publishers are not engaged in rendering medical, health, psychological, or any other kind of personal professional services. If the reader requires personal medical, health or other assistance or advice, a competent professional should be consulted.
The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, that is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the content of this book.
Before starting any weight-loss plan or beginning or modifying any exercise program, always check with your physician to make sure that the changes are right for you.
Introduction
Walking is so good for you. Walking daily is one of the easiest regimens you can develop for permanent weight loss and good health. You don’t need any equipment for a daily walk other than a good pair of walking shoes; the world outside is your oyster and is ready and waiting for you each day. All you have to do is put on your walking shoes and step out your door into the wonderful world of walking.
I walk twice a day, once in the morning and then again in the evening. If you work, plan your walk around your work hours. I am retired so the day is my own, but I still like to keep a consistent time available for my walks. If you can, try to plan your walks the same time each day. When you get into a habit of planned time walking each day, you will find it will be hard to break the habit once started. If you have someone that will walk with you all the better, but you don't have to have a walking partner. This is your time that you will set aside for you. Make it a priority in your life. You will never regret it!
Ok, so if you are a novice to walking, here is some good advice. First, buy some really good walking shoes; it doesn’t matter what brand, (I use Natural Balance) but make sure they are the most comfortable that you can buy. Start out walking slowing each day. You can work up to more minutes, as you get into a steady routine.
Plan your route that you are going to walk ahead of time. I walk in my yard as I live on a highway. I have a smooth path, and I walk the same path daily. First, walk your path just to see if anything is in your way for a smooth walk. If there is, clear it out before you start your regular walking, making sure there are no holes or anything that will interfere with your walk. If you live in an area where there are sidewalks, and you feel safe, then you can plan your walks on your sidewalks. Make sure to note if there are any dogs in the area that you are planning to walk, and see if they are chained or loose. As you get started, take your first few walks as you would a casual stroll. Take notice of everything around you. Is there wildlife to enjoy? Are there birds singing and insects buzzing? Do you have beautiful flowers around you? Do wonderful flowering trees surround you? I always start my walks looking at the nature around me on my first few rounds before I start walking for my exercise. Make this a wonderful experience so that you will look forward to it daily. If you have a garden, take a walk through your garden to look, touch and smell the wonderful things that can be in a garden. See if you can find something new everyday on your walk. In my yard, there are always wildflowers popping up, so I keep an eye out especially for these. Also if you look close, you might find some wild mushrooms that seem to come up overnight. Don’t eat them; just enjoy looking at them. I always think of the wild things that come in my yard, as God’s special creation. I didn’t have to plant them; they are just there for my enjoyment.
Now, you have completed your path that you are going to walk, and you are ready to start walking. As I said, you are going to start walking slowly, and you are going to set your own pace. I can’t tell you how long to walk, how fast and etc. That is up to you and how you feel on that particular day. Some days I might not feel like walking a lot, so I stroll. I’m an “oldie,” and I’ve earned the right to exercise at my own limits. Keep a chair somewhere in the area that you walk if you can. That way, when you get tired, just sit down! You will find, as the days go by, you can walk longer each day, but it’s just up to you to set your pace. You may never feel like walking for a long time, but just getting out there and doing it is worth so much in the area of your health and well being.