I recently started using the hashtag #WakeUpAndWalk on some of my Instagram stories. I got the idea after a client and I added a 'walk day' to our strength training sessions each week. I can't recall a time when I haven't looked forward to it, but there have been times when it was harder to get going. Time and time again, I would arrive at her place as the sun was coming up and think how lucky I was to be there, and how great the walk was going to be. Every time I was right. I often go out walking in the morning with clients, but other times I walk to alleviate anxiety and deal with depression - waking up and walking helps me focus, clear my mind, and set positive intentions for the day. I feel more creative during and energized after. My mood improves. Behind the scenes, walking is helping to lower my blood pressure and improve my blood circulation. Studies show that walking just 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk for heart disease by 19%. For those living with diabetes, walking can help reduce your blood sugar levels as well.
Walking burns calories, so it's a safe and healthy way to lose weight. Not everyone is a runner, and that is OK. Energy expenditure and calories burned can be easily determined and manipulated by your speed, terrain, and incline. Walking is and can be the way for a lot of people. It's nothing to scoff at. We are fortunate to be able to do it.
Another reason to wake up and walk - or whatever your version of that is - is to get your workout done and out of the way. You aren't spending the day dreading it or craving it, and there's less chance for interruption or having to cancel it all together. If you've ever established a somewhat successful and consistent exercise routine, you know that going without it is like getting sick. Your body just doesn't perform as well, or feel as good. Nor does your mind. We have to keep moving, and walking is one of the easiest ways to do that.
There are days when I wake up, feeling ready to go, and then there are others when I'm just not sure what to do or where to go next. Waking up and walking helps me feel hopeful. It warms me up and gets me going in more ways than one. And best of all, it always leads to other healthy choices. If I wake up and move, I'll feel better and move more throughout the day. I'll try harder to avoid food and drinks that aren't good for me, and seek out those that are. I'll be more comfortable, more kind, and more caring. I'll certainly be more patient and present.
If you can't or won't walk in the morning, any time will do. It's better to do it later than not at all. Just be safe about it, always.
I could go on about what walking does for me, and eventually I'm sure I will, but for now, I think you see - or I hope you do - what waking up and walking might do for you, too.
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