So Much to Walk About
2020—a new year!
In fact we’re almost a month into 2020, which means we’re closing in on National Fall Off the Wagon Day. (That’s the day when our New Year’s resolutions fall by the wayside, gym attendance plummets and there’s a significant uptick in the number of visits to drive-through, fast-food restaurants.)
I’m going to stop right here and right now to tell you I am not looking to squelch your hopes and resolutions; rather I am looking to add some simple, doable, take-action-today inspiration. You are not destined to fall off the wagon at all. But your methods for achieving your goals might need a tweak or two to ensure you stay firmly in the driver’s seat of your 2020!
If you resolved to:
Lose weight/get in shape
Go to the gym
Save more/spend less money
Be healthier in general
Be happier and/or achieve better mental health
Exercise more
Try something new
Spend time with friends and family
Then I have the best news for you: you can achieve all of the above and more by walking. (I see that eye roll so please wait a moment before you dismiss the opportunity to succeed with all of your 2020 resolutions.)
Let’s start with the #1 resolution women make year after year: lose weight/get in shape.
The facts: Walking helps manage weight by increasing muscle mass and tone. The more muscle we have, the faster we metabolize, which means we are burning more calories even when resting. Walking also tones our legs and core muscles (core muscles include not only our abs but pelvic floor muscles and more). As for going to the gym—80% of people who buy gym memberships never use them. Save your money and your time by buying a good pair of walking shoes and start walking! (See how we just ticked off another resolution? I’m telling you—walking works wonders for your health, your life, your time and your money!)
What about being generally healthier or happier? (Great resolutions by the way and easy to accomplish!)
The facts: Walking prevents or treats over 100 diseases, including heart disease, which is the #1 killer of women in the United States. (Over 100-that sounds healthier already.) Walking is also a phenomenal tool for mental health and happiness. Daily walking is a proven anti-depressant plus your walk will boost your self-esteem and self-confidence, and walking gives you energy too! Bonus: you can walk every day, which means you can, by default, exercise more!
What if you resolved to try something new?
The facts: Experts now tell us that it takes 66 days to establish a new habit. Try walking every day for 66 days and see what happens for your body, your mind, and your spirit. Make walking your “something new” and see how renewed you feel after 66 days. I predict you’ll be addicted to walking.
One of my favorite resolutions is to spend more time with friends and family.
The facts: Many of us make that resolution, especially as we become aware of the passing of years. We crave the time together—making memories to cherish for years to come. My thoughts: Take a moment to reflect on your memories right now. What were you and your friends or family doing? Many of my favorite moments involve a simple activity like preparing a meal, planting the garden, going for a walk. Make it a point to snag your friends and family whenever and wherever you can and go for a walk. Explore the park you’ve been wanting to see, walk through the local museum if the weather is nasty. Stroll through that antique mall or craft fair. Walking works wonders and creates magical memories that all begin with the beautiful phrase, “Remember that time we . . . ?”
Turns out you can succeed with your 2020 resolutions by doing one simple activity: walking. When you really think about it, there’s just so much to walk about.
Make 2020 your walking-to-success year. I’ll see you out there!