Giving Walking Some Love …
Walking is perfection. You don’t even need an elephant! Credit: SeeMidTN.com (aka Brent), Flickr
I’ve been all about the running lately, steadily trying to get in my miles even though winter is wearing me down something fierce. (It’s March — can we be done with winter now?) And can I just mention how much I’ve enjoyed reading about Meg’s running journey? I can so relate — and you probably can, too, so be sure to check it out. But today I wanted to put out a friendly Public Service Announcement for my old friend, the walk.
Maybe it was my awesome interview over on Fit Bottomed Mamas with the walking guru herself Leslie Sansone whose enthusiasm for walking is contagious. Or maybe it’s the fact that I simply can’t wait until it’s warm enough to get outside for a simple stroll with the kids. Or maybe I just feel like running shouldn’t get all the glory because walking is a valuable exercise, too. Regardless of the crazy reasoning going on in my brain, I thought I’d share this cool walkabout campaign with you guys. It kicks off today. It’s a partnership between Vionic Footwear and Dr. Weil (I reviewed these walking shoes and Jenn adores her loafers. That’s the doctor!) and it’s basically a 28-day walkabout to remind you to move.
You sign up to commit to walking 30 minutes a day over the 28-day period, and you’ll get fitness tips emailed to you and have the opportunity to win prizes and one grand prize to California (plus shoes!). I love this for a few reasons. 1) I love the idea of doing something every single day to start a good habit. Giveit100 documents people doing something for 100 days, and I think it’s amazing to see what can happen when people stick to something like that and how much progress can be made over that time. (Similar to how for some people, a three-day juice fast can kick off healthy habits.) 2) If you’re the type of person who needs a push, a daily email can be enough to nudge you in the right direction. 3) It’s walking, so there’s no equipment needed, and the simple act of walking can help lower your risk of heart disease, improve blood pressure and improve mental well-being. And 4) It’s a good reminder not to underestimate the power of the walk! Beginners and seasoned exercisers alike can all benefit from a walk — ever ramped up the treadmill incline to the max? Even a slow pace will make your glutes burn, baby, burn.
Would you sign up for a 30-day challenge like this walkabout? Do you think walking doesn’t get enough workout love? —Erin