's motd Friday Oct 29, 2010 - Walking

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STEP BY STEP

Friday, 29 October 2010

When I was at the airport in Los

Angeles on my way to Chicago a couple of weeks ago, I

saw a lady with her little toddler. Obviously her

tyke was still learning the whole walking thing. He'd

start out with so much confidence, walk a few steps,

then tumble. He'd get up, walk some more, then tumble

again. But each time he tumbled, he'd never cry.

He'd always get right back up and start walking

again. (He was so cute!)

You see, man was designed to walk and, oh yeah...women

were too! But watching that toddler trying out his

first steps really got me thinking about how important

walking is.

When I was a kid, I used to walk and wander all over

the French Quarter. I couldn't wait to get my shoes

on and start walking the fascinating streets of

our neighborhood. Even on days when my feet hurt, I'd

keep right on walking. There were always so many

interesting things to see and do in the French

Quarter. And I didn't want even one of them!

Okay, now let me make a very important point. And

that is, walking is a wonderful form of exercise.

I know, there're some people who can't afford to join

a gym or buy an expensive piece of exercise

equipment. But hey, we all already have

"exercise equipment." We have our right legs...and

our left legs.

Some people's walking consists

mostly of walking to their cars or the small amount of

walking they get when running a few errands. But

let's face it, that's just not enough walking. If you

want to be a dedicated and professional walker, you've

got to start a walking program and stick to it

everyday.

And simply walking step-by-step, right leg-to-left leg

is not enough. Truth is, you've got to get your

whole body involved in your walking.

You should feel that little twist in your waist and

keep those arms of yours swinging as you walk. It's

good for you! In fact, were you aware that many

hospitals and clinics incorporate walking into their

rehabilitation programs for people recovering from

surgery or injuries? See, that's how good and

important walking is for us.

Now if you're a professional walker, I say to you...keep

on walking. You already know how much you

get from those walks of yours. And I'm not just

talking about the physical benefits. Walking offers

you plenty of psychological benefits, too. You feel

so good after a good walk, both inside and out.

Some people like to listen to music as they walk.

When I'm taking a walk, I focus on clearing my mind.

See, when you're walking, it's also a perfect time to

think...about your life and the goals you've

set for yourself. I have to tell you, I'm always in a

better, happier and more focused mood after I've

finished a good walk.

If you haven't been walking

regularly, I think you should start. The weather is

still nice in much of the country. So get out of bed

on one of those nice mornings and start your day by

taking a 15-minute walk...and take that 15-minute walk

everyday for a whole week. Then, next week,

try taking a 20-minute walk. And make it your goal to

work up to a full hour-a-day of walking.

Walking is great for your body's circulation. It's an

excellent way to boost your metabolism, too. (And we

all know how important that is.) See, with every step

you take, you're turning on your body's fat-burning

furnace and burning more calories.

By the way, I think it would be a good idea for you to

invest in a pedometer. That way, you can see how many

steps you're taking each day. You'll be very

surprised. Soon you'll be walking up to 10,000 steps

a day and thinking nothing of it. It'll just come

naturally for you. Hey, wouldn't that be great?

Oh, and one other thing walking does is that it makes

your cheeks all nice and rosey. And there's nothing

like a little happy, healthy color in your face, I

always say!

Oops, one more thing. Before

beginning your walking program, get yourself a good

pair of walking shoes that'll support you toe-to-toe

and heel-to-heel. Okay now, get your walking shoes on

and...

Ready, set...WALK!

Love,