Time for a Walk

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Fall is my favorite time of year... time for the harvest, saying goodbye to the summer heat, and looking forward to the reset of long winter nights. It is also a great time to get outside and enjoy the sights and smells of the change of seasons. Have you been out for a leisurely walk lately? Have you taken the time to detach a bit, breath deeply, and get some great, slow-paced exercise?

As we work on our wellness choices and power pantry additions and deletions, we need to consider our physical activity as well. Experts (like the American Heart Association and the CDC) suggest 150 minutes a week of aerobic / cardio exercise (like a brisk walk or bicycling), and some form of strength training (legs, chest, biceps, core, etc.) on at least two days a week. If we can do something (get out and take ourselves for a walk) several days a week, that is at least a start to meeting these simple weekly goals of physical activity.

Make the commitment to regular physical activity, as part of your wellness lifestyle choices. You can plan a short in-home workout (knee bends, push ups, running in place, stretching, crunches...) or if you have the time and money budgeted, get a membership at the gym. The vital encouragement here is to do something.You'll be glad you did.

By the Way

Always remember that responsible dog owners take Fido for a couple of walks a day, and the vet says that's how it should be for Fido's joints to stay healthy and digestion to function well. If it's good for our dogs, why isn't the same advice just as valuable for us? Give it a shot this fall and take time for a walk.