Health Benefits of Walking
It was cold, it was bright and my two spaniels were absolutely raring to go.
My favourite time of day is when I am walking (or running) with my dogs and today was no exception. Not a cloud in the sky and the first frost of the autumn. During the week, we walk at 6am, and in October in the UK, 6am means it is still dark. However, today was Sunday so we had a bit of lie in!
Ventured out at 8 hence we could experience all the joys of this perfect autumn day.
Change for health!
Decided recently I’d do the morning walk during the week too, even though it means me getting up at 5.15 (I need my morning coffee before I venture out!). Walking for fitness and walking for health to me is enjoyable. I genuinely feel and see the benefits of walking.
We love getting out first thing in the morning as it allows me time to escape with my thoughts, to plan my day and also come up with some of my best ideas. Living in the countryside, there is nothing finer than getting out into nature. Great fun watching the dogs chase rabbits, the calming stillness of the woods and fields, turning a corner and facing a deer, you hold your breath then blink and it’s gone.
We like to start the week with something fast and furious whether I am running or walking. I listen to my running playlist and run/walk/dance my way around for the first ten minutes. However I didn’t hear a tractor behind me a few days ago and the farmer found my dancing highly amusing. Then I switch to something lighter. A podcast, an audio book or just the inspirational sound of birdsong.
Where I’m going with all this waffle is that I really feel the benefits of getting out at the crack of sparrows…….every day.
How long walking though?
Just half an hour of walking a day can increase cardio vascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat and boost endurance. It can also improve your mood (makes me more tolerant to idiots), reduces the risk of depression and improves my self esteem.
Back at home I look in the mirror expecting a bedraggled mess. Yes my hair is a bit out of place, but on the rosy cheeks scale of of 1-10, I have a solid 7. I look healthy and smile back at myself in the mirror……Man, I feel like a woman! (And yes, that is on my playlist too.)
And I’m listening to:–Runners world podcast
What am I wearing – (#AF) Pink hat with built in light for those dark mornings.
And the dogs are wearing – (#AF) light up collars.
