Some of the readers ask me how I keep myself motivated for walking. As I have discussed every person have different motivating factors. Anybody can find out a motivation for walking provided the person sits down does a little analysis.
In my profile have noted that, I am from a family which has diabetes and hypertension history. I dread these diseases. I would like to postpone them as long as I can. And I am fond of eating good food too. I am in some kind of dilemma, so I found the easy way out. Do some exercises and control your eating, but don’t overdo and underdo both. Try to find a balance and have my share of fun in life.
That is the precise reason I choose the name of my blog “walkforfun”. Interestingly now writing for the blog is another motivation for me. I go through many webpages, newspaper articles, brochures, recollect and compile them for the blog; that keeps me very motivated for my walking.
I try to convince my friends for trying walking as exercise and also talk a lot about walking in my home with my husband, now he is motivated and I am getting benefits of walking with him.
I was thinking of getting a pedometer, another great motivator for 10000 steps a day. But I am postponing it as at present I am so motivated I don’t need anything. I am sparing it for future motivation. I will try to motivate myself by doing a real time analysis as I have discussed in future if that is needed at all.
Keep walking.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Sunday, November 26, 2006
MOTIVATION FOR WALKING
Probably, staying motivated for a certain activity will be different for different person. Walking is no different. We have different motivators for our walking as exercise.
Staying out in the sun in the midst of nature and enjoying the ambience is one of the greatest motivator of walking which no other form of exercise can give.
Another unique advantage of walking is meeting people and actually socializing with them is another great motivator. Many walk only to meet their friends and have a good time with them.
Our life is full of daily routine of chores and jobs. Most of them are to be attended at all cost even if we don’t want to. These activities actually consume a lot of emotional energy and make us feel tired. A break from this boring routine is a welcome relieve. We look forward to walking which we make free only to ourselves. So our modern lifestyle is another motivator if we look a bit critically.
Have you noticed; when a person is under stress he generally makes some physical movements. Walking is a great stress reliever as I have discussed in my earlier blog. You will automatically like to walk if you are under any kind of stress.
The health benefit of walking is the greatest motivator for most walkers. We want to stay healthy and fit for us and for our dear family members. Staying in shape to be able do the things we enjoy. To indulge in some fun and excesses which are not possible for a person who is not fit and healthy.
In my opinion walking is addictive. Many of my friends agree to it. If a regular walker does not walk or have to skip his walking for the day, he feels upset. I believe it is due to the production of certain chemical endorphins in our body as the result of walking. The feel-good chemical releases the stress in us and makes us somewhat euphoric.
You can make a list the benefits that you will derive if you spend one hour in walking and the reasons for not wanting to walk. Now try to remove the reasons for not wanting to walk. You will find there are many benefits of walking as exercise and will outweigh any excuse for not doing it.
Continue walking, the surest way to health.
Staying out in the sun in the midst of nature and enjoying the ambience is one of the greatest motivator of walking which no other form of exercise can give.
Another unique advantage of walking is meeting people and actually socializing with them is another great motivator. Many walk only to meet their friends and have a good time with them.
Our life is full of daily routine of chores and jobs. Most of them are to be attended at all cost even if we don’t want to. These activities actually consume a lot of emotional energy and make us feel tired. A break from this boring routine is a welcome relieve. We look forward to walking which we make free only to ourselves. So our modern lifestyle is another motivator if we look a bit critically.
Have you noticed; when a person is under stress he generally makes some physical movements. Walking is a great stress reliever as I have discussed in my earlier blog. You will automatically like to walk if you are under any kind of stress.
The health benefit of walking is the greatest motivator for most walkers. We want to stay healthy and fit for us and for our dear family members. Staying in shape to be able do the things we enjoy. To indulge in some fun and excesses which are not possible for a person who is not fit and healthy.
In my opinion walking is addictive. Many of my friends agree to it. If a regular walker does not walk or have to skip his walking for the day, he feels upset. I believe it is due to the production of certain chemical endorphins in our body as the result of walking. The feel-good chemical releases the stress in us and makes us somewhat euphoric.
You can make a list the benefits that you will derive if you spend one hour in walking and the reasons for not wanting to walk. Now try to remove the reasons for not wanting to walk. You will find there are many benefits of walking as exercise and will outweigh any excuse for not doing it.
Continue walking, the surest way to health.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
SOCIAL WALKING
Build up a circle of friends
The greatest benefit of walking as exercise that no other exercise can give is probably the chance to express yourself or TALK to your walking partner. Similarly your walking friend will get equal chance.
As a result of this interaction, you will notice you have build up a circle of friends. The newly found friends have similar outlook with you and have believe in walking as exercise or as a stress buster.
Everybody has a great story to tell. Listen their stories and you will find goldmines of information in them. Tell your story too. You will not only enjoy your walk also walk many more steps more what you had intended.
Chances are there, you may come across some meaningful friendship. Friend who will stand by you in your pain and distress; and share your joy and happiness. Also you may meet a friend who may enlighten you and share his knowledge and spirituality. Every person is a hidden treasure provided we know how to unearth.
You will notice slowly your social circle has increased manifold. As a social animal, who dislikes to make some new friends?
Walking gives you a chance of socializing in a slightly unconventional way. You will enjoy the experience and thankful for the benefits.
Go out walking and make new beautiful and meaningful friendships.
The greatest benefit of walking as exercise that no other exercise can give is probably the chance to express yourself or TALK to your walking partner. Similarly your walking friend will get equal chance.
As a result of this interaction, you will notice you have build up a circle of friends. The newly found friends have similar outlook with you and have believe in walking as exercise or as a stress buster.
Everybody has a great story to tell. Listen their stories and you will find goldmines of information in them. Tell your story too. You will not only enjoy your walk also walk many more steps more what you had intended.
Chances are there, you may come across some meaningful friendship. Friend who will stand by you in your pain and distress; and share your joy and happiness. Also you may meet a friend who may enlighten you and share his knowledge and spirituality. Every person is a hidden treasure provided we know how to unearth.
You will notice slowly your social circle has increased manifold. As a social animal, who dislikes to make some new friends?
Walking gives you a chance of socializing in a slightly unconventional way. You will enjoy the experience and thankful for the benefits.
Go out walking and make new beautiful and meaningful friendships.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
WALKING: PREPARATION
Probably walking as exercise needs least preparation. But still some preparation is required to make it most enjoyable.
First you need to make a mental note of your day’s walking route; otherwise your walking may be of far less steps than what you indented. Be clear about it and follow the route. Sometime an un-aimed walking is enjoyable but not always.
Do you have your wrist watch on to keep your time? Or your pedometer, your personal music player if you use them?
How is the weather outside? Are you armed to withstand the weather? If not, dress accordingly. I generally keep all my gears at one place beforehand, it saves me time.
Leave your walking route on your working table. Inform your partner, your family member or your neighbor, whom you are going to meet on your way out.
If you live alone lock your house, or inform your partner if he or she does not accompany you that you are going out. Greet your neighbor if you meet them, they can make out why you are out with sneakers on.
Don’t forget to loosen your muscle by doing some stress exercises before going out. You can do it on the road too. Walk a little slower for the initial five minutes or ten minutes or so and then pick up your speed to the desired level.
Greet other walkers, encourage them, motivate them and in that way you will motivate yourself too to reach your goal. Talk with your friends, co-walkers during your walking and enjoy others company.
Follow all the rules I discussed in my earlier blogs regarding traffic rules, personal safety guidelines etc.
After finishing my walk, I generally take a bath with lukewarm water. It makes me fresh. I also fill up my log of the day’s walking. I don’t follow my progress too much, but I keep a tab.
Go out and make your walking most enjoyable experience.
First you need to make a mental note of your day’s walking route; otherwise your walking may be of far less steps than what you indented. Be clear about it and follow the route. Sometime an un-aimed walking is enjoyable but not always.
Do you have your wrist watch on to keep your time? Or your pedometer, your personal music player if you use them?
How is the weather outside? Are you armed to withstand the weather? If not, dress accordingly. I generally keep all my gears at one place beforehand, it saves me time.
Leave your walking route on your working table. Inform your partner, your family member or your neighbor, whom you are going to meet on your way out.
If you live alone lock your house, or inform your partner if he or she does not accompany you that you are going out. Greet your neighbor if you meet them, they can make out why you are out with sneakers on.
Don’t forget to loosen your muscle by doing some stress exercises before going out. You can do it on the road too. Walk a little slower for the initial five minutes or ten minutes or so and then pick up your speed to the desired level.
Greet other walkers, encourage them, motivate them and in that way you will motivate yourself too to reach your goal. Talk with your friends, co-walkers during your walking and enjoy others company.
Follow all the rules I discussed in my earlier blogs regarding traffic rules, personal safety guidelines etc.
After finishing my walk, I generally take a bath with lukewarm water. It makes me fresh. I also fill up my log of the day’s walking. I don’t follow my progress too much, but I keep a tab.
Go out and make your walking most enjoyable experience.
Friday, November 10, 2006
WALKING BENEFITS
The Stress busters at workplace
One of my walking partners was saying now handling stress in workplace is more critical than any other management practices. Stress is causing health problems, low productivity, absenteeism, substance abuse and some loose nerves in workplace. Talk with any of your friend, who works in corporate houses, they will admit they experience moderate to high level of stress.
Experts say that it takes very little to trigger that sense of anxiousness. The helplessness that generally accompanies stress makes it a dangerous cocktail. It takes sometime for a person to feel at what position he is in and by the time he is into a serious medical problem.
Experts again say, it does not take too much effort to ward off the stress. There are many ways and practices by which you can control and release your stress. Yoga, Tai-Chi-Chuan, Breathing Control exercises and even free hand exercises are used to control stress. The above are done indoor and so corporate houses/offices prefer them. Walking is another very strong stress reliever. It is an outdoor activity and it does not fit into a corporate office.
Stress leaves its effect is much beyond the corporate office, it creeps into your personal life. It can spoil a healthy relationship and will make you aggressive. You probably can not take a correct decision if you are under stress. Your health will go down and you will be most irritable person in the world, though you were nice and friendly a few months back. The best way out of the mess is stress busting and for that matter; walking. If done regularly, it will give you more benefits than any other stress busters. And the best part is that walking has very less dropout rate than any other form of exercises.
In working place you can practices walking-therapy in addition to others by following the rules below.
Park your car/vehicle a little further from your work place and walk down a few steps more.
Do not sit down all day, you can attend many jobs standing and slightly moving around. Thinking process is better while in motion. (What do you think?)
Walk down to your colleagues for any discussion, provided you have time.
If your workplace is in walkable distance from your residence, walk down at least every other day.
Fetch your stationery requirements by walking down to the other end of the office once or twice everyday.
Greet everybody while walking in the office, it will give you acceptance.
Always remember, you are to make 10,000 steps a day and you spend a good number of hours at your workplace.
Relax from your work by walking around in the office building.
It is your life. It is your duty to make it better.
Walk to make your life better.
One of my walking partners was saying now handling stress in workplace is more critical than any other management practices. Stress is causing health problems, low productivity, absenteeism, substance abuse and some loose nerves in workplace. Talk with any of your friend, who works in corporate houses, they will admit they experience moderate to high level of stress.
Experts say that it takes very little to trigger that sense of anxiousness. The helplessness that generally accompanies stress makes it a dangerous cocktail. It takes sometime for a person to feel at what position he is in and by the time he is into a serious medical problem.
Experts again say, it does not take too much effort to ward off the stress. There are many ways and practices by which you can control and release your stress. Yoga, Tai-Chi-Chuan, Breathing Control exercises and even free hand exercises are used to control stress. The above are done indoor and so corporate houses/offices prefer them. Walking is another very strong stress reliever. It is an outdoor activity and it does not fit into a corporate office.
Stress leaves its effect is much beyond the corporate office, it creeps into your personal life. It can spoil a healthy relationship and will make you aggressive. You probably can not take a correct decision if you are under stress. Your health will go down and you will be most irritable person in the world, though you were nice and friendly a few months back. The best way out of the mess is stress busting and for that matter; walking. If done regularly, it will give you more benefits than any other stress busters. And the best part is that walking has very less dropout rate than any other form of exercises.
In working place you can practices walking-therapy in addition to others by following the rules below.
Park your car/vehicle a little further from your work place and walk down a few steps more.
Do not sit down all day, you can attend many jobs standing and slightly moving around. Thinking process is better while in motion. (What do you think?)
Walk down to your colleagues for any discussion, provided you have time.
If your workplace is in walkable distance from your residence, walk down at least every other day.
Fetch your stationery requirements by walking down to the other end of the office once or twice everyday.
Greet everybody while walking in the office, it will give you acceptance.
Always remember, you are to make 10,000 steps a day and you spend a good number of hours at your workplace.
Relax from your work by walking around in the office building.
It is your life. It is your duty to make it better.
Walk to make your life better.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
WALKING NIRVANA
I have discussed on virtue of walking, how it relieve your stress. Make your mind free from all those earthly anxieties that hound us day in and day out. Walking give us time to go much deeper mental stage where we can ponder about the very purpose of our existence.
The walking is to be done in a quiet known safe place and to be done alone. Go on a slow stroll first, try not to not think about the present and immediate surroundings, try to make your mind empty. You will observe your mind now disconnected from your body. Don’t worry, your subconscious mind is still with you and it will take care of immediate exigencies. Let your mind be free.
The movement of the body brings movement to our mind too. There will be a synergy between your mind and body, which you may have never experienced before. The synergy will not be there in case of strenuous exercises. As it was an advice to mediate staying still.
To dwell on the fundamentals of life we need to do positive thinking and reinforce affirmations of the purpose of our existence. We are happy to be here in this beautiful world and serve as we were deputed to serve. We can feel the wholeness within us.
The regularity of breathing which becomes deeper after sometime of walking is a good exercise. There will be a perfect rhythm of breathing, movement and our thinking. Yoga recommends this kind of exercise.
After walking in this fashion for some time, you will be surprised;
you can use the time to connect with God,
undisturbed by other intrusions.
You can use the time of walking for prayer and to receive spiritual inspiration.
Walking brings new experiences, new meaning of life and probably new lease of life, the ultimate NIRVANA. It depends on how you use it. Walking is also much beyond simple exercise; it is for total wellbeing of our body and mind.
Walk to discover yourself!!
The walking is to be done in a quiet known safe place and to be done alone. Go on a slow stroll first, try not to not think about the present and immediate surroundings, try to make your mind empty. You will observe your mind now disconnected from your body. Don’t worry, your subconscious mind is still with you and it will take care of immediate exigencies. Let your mind be free.
The movement of the body brings movement to our mind too. There will be a synergy between your mind and body, which you may have never experienced before. The synergy will not be there in case of strenuous exercises. As it was an advice to mediate staying still.
To dwell on the fundamentals of life we need to do positive thinking and reinforce affirmations of the purpose of our existence. We are happy to be here in this beautiful world and serve as we were deputed to serve. We can feel the wholeness within us.
The regularity of breathing which becomes deeper after sometime of walking is a good exercise. There will be a perfect rhythm of breathing, movement and our thinking. Yoga recommends this kind of exercise.
After walking in this fashion for some time, you will be surprised;
you can use the time to connect with God,
undisturbed by other intrusions.
You can use the time of walking for prayer and to receive spiritual inspiration.
Walking brings new experiences, new meaning of life and probably new lease of life, the ultimate NIRVANA. It depends on how you use it. Walking is also much beyond simple exercise; it is for total wellbeing of our body and mind.
Walk to discover yourself!!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
WALKING AWAY STRESS
Exercise increases blood flow in one’s body, including the brain. The result is that the person becomes mentally sharper. His analytical power increases by manifold. Good chess players play physical games before any major tournament.
Does exercise make you happy?
It is established by scientific studies that walking makes you happy.
Why?
Because, walking produces a group of chemical in your brain, the endorphins, which make you happy. The chemical is produced more if you walk at brisk pace; even at slower rate mood elevation is evident in many persons.
On the other hand, walking gives you time to think and keep you out of stressful environments. Walking also refreshes you by allowing inhalation of fresh air and thereby invigorates you.
Certain group of our body muscles becomes tense as a result of stress. Relaxation of these muscles by the mild exercise like walking helps in the process.
If you are tensed up, under stress, talk to yourself, your walking partner and vent out the steam or anger. You will feel relaxed.
To me the maximum benefit is given by the time I get to introspect and think about the problem, I mostly come up with an answer or solution. I also shout a lot in an excluded place to vent out any anger left in me after walking down there which takes me around forty five minutes. The anger or steam inside me does no good to me or to anybody.
Try this method, I am confident, you will also feel much relaxed if you have to face any stress in your life.
However, if you are under severe depression or stress for a prolonged period, meet a medical practitioner. He may also prescribe you walking as a part of his treatment.
Walk for walking away stress.
Does exercise make you happy?
It is established by scientific studies that walking makes you happy.
Why?
Because, walking produces a group of chemical in your brain, the endorphins, which make you happy. The chemical is produced more if you walk at brisk pace; even at slower rate mood elevation is evident in many persons.
On the other hand, walking gives you time to think and keep you out of stressful environments. Walking also refreshes you by allowing inhalation of fresh air and thereby invigorates you.
Certain group of our body muscles becomes tense as a result of stress. Relaxation of these muscles by the mild exercise like walking helps in the process.
If you are tensed up, under stress, talk to yourself, your walking partner and vent out the steam or anger. You will feel relaxed.
To me the maximum benefit is given by the time I get to introspect and think about the problem, I mostly come up with an answer or solution. I also shout a lot in an excluded place to vent out any anger left in me after walking down there which takes me around forty five minutes. The anger or steam inside me does no good to me or to anybody.
Try this method, I am confident, you will also feel much relaxed if you have to face any stress in your life.
However, if you are under severe depression or stress for a prolonged period, meet a medical practitioner. He may also prescribe you walking as a part of his treatment.
Walk for walking away stress.
Friday, November 03, 2006
WALKING METER
Pedometer
You can use a pedometer or step counter to count how many steps you have made during your walking. The device is simple and works by using pendulum which senses hip movement and display it. Pedometer is becoming popular and a motivator to achieve the magic figure of 10,000 steps a day, which many takes as the benchmark to achieve the desired result of walking. Often worn in belt, you can use pedometer all day or during your walking.
While there are many brands of pedometer are available, some gives more informations than just the count of your steps like calorie estimates, clocks, timers, stopwatches and speed measurement, 7-day memory, pulse rate readers etc.
Pedometer accuracy depends on how you set it. Do not forget to learn how to set while buying it. You can also also use the Google Map Pedometer, an online tool to measure the length of your walking route. Check this against your pedometer reading. You can have a fairly accurate measurement of your walking distance later on.
You can keep a track of your progress by recording the day’s count and formulate a program to improve your walking. Only thing is to avoid the accidental reset of the pedometer. Some model can take care of the problem by itself.
This little inexpensive gadget can tell you exactly how many steps you have taken towards your goal. This will eventually push you to achieve the target number of steps a day. You certainly walk more steps and that is your objective.
(Bebco, you were right to point out the utility of pedometer for walking. I have gone through few pages and compiled the above for the benefit of all as you advised.)
You can use a pedometer or step counter to count how many steps you have made during your walking. The device is simple and works by using pendulum which senses hip movement and display it. Pedometer is becoming popular and a motivator to achieve the magic figure of 10,000 steps a day, which many takes as the benchmark to achieve the desired result of walking. Often worn in belt, you can use pedometer all day or during your walking.
While there are many brands of pedometer are available, some gives more informations than just the count of your steps like calorie estimates, clocks, timers, stopwatches and speed measurement, 7-day memory, pulse rate readers etc.
Pedometer accuracy depends on how you set it. Do not forget to learn how to set while buying it. You can also also use the Google Map Pedometer, an online tool to measure the length of your walking route. Check this against your pedometer reading. You can have a fairly accurate measurement of your walking distance later on.
You can keep a track of your progress by recording the day’s count and formulate a program to improve your walking. Only thing is to avoid the accidental reset of the pedometer. Some model can take care of the problem by itself.
This little inexpensive gadget can tell you exactly how many steps you have taken towards your goal. This will eventually push you to achieve the target number of steps a day. You certainly walk more steps and that is your objective.
(Bebco, you were right to point out the utility of pedometer for walking. I have gone through few pages and compiled the above for the benefit of all as you advised.)
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
WALKING MUSIC
Music player
Music is a great mood manipulator. It can excite, sadden, energize and soothe one’s mind. A good tune comes back to our mind and we keep humming it. Different people have different choices of music. Music is based mainly on beats. Energizing beats can be used to make a brisk walk. Walking to the beat of music can extract optimum walk for you.
Choosing music for walk is the foremost part. There are few music stores and websites which can supply this kind of music. Music for walking are specially designed to different types of walkers. However, it is the liking of the walker which music may suit his style of walk.
Next part is the selection of music player. Any light weight personal music player will serve the purpose. I personally like the light weight flash or hard disk based digital music player. You can pick a music player from a store depending on how much you want to spend on it. There are many personal music players to choose from. Headphone is also a matter of selection. Button type or light weight headphone will be better suited for walking.
Some mobile phone acts as good music player too. You can use them as music player with headphone during your walk.
Another part is to secure the music player. Generally the personal music players have their own devices for securing to one’s body. It may be a belt, pockets or just hang as a necklace.
There is a debate “is headphone a safety hazard for walker”. Unless the volume is raised to a very high deafening level, it should not be. But there are some statistics to cite for it.
It is entirely your choice. If you want to use music to increase the walking pace or efficiency, let the music play at a lower volume so that you can hear other sounds too. Keep your chin up, so that you can spot any potential danger.
Music or no music, continue walking!!
Music is a great mood manipulator. It can excite, sadden, energize and soothe one’s mind. A good tune comes back to our mind and we keep humming it. Different people have different choices of music. Music is based mainly on beats. Energizing beats can be used to make a brisk walk. Walking to the beat of music can extract optimum walk for you.
Choosing music for walk is the foremost part. There are few music stores and websites which can supply this kind of music. Music for walking are specially designed to different types of walkers. However, it is the liking of the walker which music may suit his style of walk.
Next part is the selection of music player. Any light weight personal music player will serve the purpose. I personally like the light weight flash or hard disk based digital music player. You can pick a music player from a store depending on how much you want to spend on it. There are many personal music players to choose from. Headphone is also a matter of selection. Button type or light weight headphone will be better suited for walking.
Some mobile phone acts as good music player too. You can use them as music player with headphone during your walk.
Another part is to secure the music player. Generally the personal music players have their own devices for securing to one’s body. It may be a belt, pockets or just hang as a necklace.
There is a debate “is headphone a safety hazard for walker”. Unless the volume is raised to a very high deafening level, it should not be. But there are some statistics to cite for it.
It is entirely your choice. If you want to use music to increase the walking pace or efficiency, let the music play at a lower volume so that you can hear other sounds too. Keep your chin up, so that you can spot any potential danger.
Music or no music, continue walking!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)