Earth and Heart Healthy Exercise

Walking is not only good for your heart and overall health, but it's an exercise that can be considered "Earth Healthy" by virtue of the fact that it is an exercise that has a low impact on the Earth.  Let's think about it...there's no need to drive to the gym, so there's no carbon impact...you can simply walk out your front door!  The equipment that you need, your left and right leg, a bottle of water to stay hydrated (of course you should opt for a previously purchased reusable water bottle ), and a pair of sneakers which you probably already have, also have a low impact on the Earth.  Because you need very little equipment, it is easy to fit in a walk during a quick break at work, at the beach, in the mountains, in the city, in the park, on vacation, in the morning, in the afternoon, or in the evening...you get the idea, you can walk anytime, almost anywhere! 

Young or old, lace up and put one foot in front of the other!  Walking for a minimum of 30 minutes, or fitting in 2 - 15 minute sessions with a goal of approximately 150 minutes/week will reap many health benefits such as:

• improving circulation
• combating depression
• bolstering the immune system
• helping to prevent osteoporosis
• helping to prevent and control diabetes
• helping to control weight 
• helping lower blood pressure

I choose to walk with my friend Beth, and we help motivate each other to get moving even when we don't feel like it.  Another huge benefit of walking with Beth is that we talk and vent, which makes the miles fly by.  Our walking sessions often double as therapy sessions as we both chat about the kids, their activities, work, husbands, goals, friends, family, household happenings, dreams, hopes, etc.  I've actually learned some things about myself by chatting aloud to Beth, and listening to her welcome advice.  An additional benefit is seeing the "sites" in our community; checking out the changes in the neighborhoods where we walk, exploring new areas, and admiring the gardens that we pass along the way.

Walking helps to keep us healthier in mind, body, and spirit and I'm happy to be reaping these benefits while chatting with my friend and treading lightly on the Earth :)  


Sources:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/walking/HQ01612
http://www.walkinginfo.org/why/benefits_health.cfm 
http://www.walk-magazine.com/