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Incredible medicine for aging well: Walking!
I want to share something that I have practiced almost daily for many years and the difference it has made is astounding. It's simply walking for 1 hour a day! It is truly an incredible medicine. The benefits: for me have been
1. Relaxation
2. Better, deep sleep
3. Breaks up the day
4. Turns negative thoughts to positive
5. Balances appetite - I eat well, not to excess (like on days I don't walk) and gravitate to healthier foods for some reason
6. Perfect vitals like blood pressure. No health issues
7. Great muscle tome all over
8. Much more stamina
9. Look far younger than my age
10. Get fresh air
11. Sense of adventure
12. With the right shoes each foot strike feels wonderful
13. Just plain fun!
14. Potential to meet new people with the same mindset, if that's your thing]
15. Normal BMI (body mass index). Mine is about 21
16. No cost to get started but I recommend good walking shoes when you finally "get it". Good shoes add a whole other dimension
17. Many internal benefits that you are totally unaware of, such increased blood volume, more efficient oxygen transport, more pliable blood vessels. Keeps you healthy!
So there you are. I hope this encourages someone to at least try it out. Then when you get "into it" you can search for good walking shoes. Excellent ones can be found online for anywhere from $50 to $150. Stick with the major brands and only buy shoes made for walking. I will recommend the Brooks Omni Walker, as a start. Also excellent, the famous Brooks Addiction Walker. They got that name right!
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With that determinaton and the support you have, you will reach all your goals.
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2 ReactionsAnd if I need a cane to walk 1/4+ mile?
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2 ReactionsI do as well. I'm very grateful to be able to walk at all but "just walk" is not a directive I can follow! I wish I could, but have had serious disability issues for a half century. What I do is break my very mild exercise into 3 units of 15 minutes over the day. I can stretch and dance at my own pace, and walk with and without cane as needed. But I'm seeing how chair yoga and a Thera band don't stress my legs, which is good. Any luck with using two poles to walk? I've heard it is easier on the arm, but I haven't been able to adjust. The situation is challenging. Do you have any tips for either enjoying a short walk or moving some other way? Those who can walk easily are truly fortunate.
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9 ReactionsI just walked 1 hour. Wow did that feel good! Plus when I went out I was very uptight about a bad situation with neighbors where I live. When I got back to the neighborhood I almost didn't care. This bad situation here will be ending soon, if you were wondering.
For those who have never walked you don't know what you're missing!
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3 ReactionsThanks a bunch. No cane around the house but out & about- better safe than sorry. It’s mostly lower back pain starts around that 1/4 mile point. I can rest, let it relax and I’m good to get up & continue. It’s so unlike how I lived my life. But arthritis took over about 35 years ago & just grew. And grew.
Thanks for your reply
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3 ReactionsI have neuropathy in my feet and bad balance from chemo treatments. I also have moderate scoliosis and my upper back starts aching.
I recently bought one of the foot peddlers that go under my desk. It is addicting. I enjoy it a lot. I use it several hours a day. I've discovered that my balance is already better. I'm 83 years old and it was recommended to me by another old timer like myself.
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6 ReactionsThank you! I refuse to give up! Yes I am not perfect. Disagreements go with the territory. Love keeps going if you project it with understanding and trying to remain a positive influence.
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4 ReactionsThe Brooks shoes have a narrow toe box which is terrible for your feet. Find a shoe with a very wide toe box so your toes can spread the way they are supposed to. Check with a better shoe store and try them on. You will be much better off without a shoe with a known narrow toe box. JMO
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2 ReactionsI agree. I walk downhill to the mail box then back uphill to home. Let's me keep track of what's new in the neighborhood.
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1 ReactionI can relate to your comments. We just have to keep plugging away and keep challenging ourselves as sanely as we can. Take care…
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