Walk, Walk, Walk

         My daughter, Jaja, worked overtime today.  My wife, Beng, and I decided to drive her to work in Ortigas then pass by UP Diliman, on our way back home, to walk.  We left home at around 6:30 AM.  Ooooops!, don’t forget to bring Potpot, our shitzu dog, along.

        We called up my younger sister, Elvie, to join us.  She lives near UPD.

        I made two (2) rounds around the oval – about an hour walk, while the two (2) ladies and the dog made one (1) round only.

         UPD is a better place for exercising - walking, jogging, running, cycling, etc.  It has plenty of trees and less vehicles running around.  Plenty of trees means plenty of oxygen; while, less vehicles means less pollution.

              Roxas Avenue                     Bikers along Osmena Ave.                  Osmena Avenue

        After resting, we proceeded to Jolibee in Philcoa for breakfast.  Approaching the restaurant, we realized that Potpot was with us.  Instead, we drove thru and ordered.  Then, we returned to UPD and picnicked at the Lagoon Area.   

         Walking has been my form of exercise since I’ve given up running.  I stopped running because of a chronic injury.  I had been training then to run a full marathon (42.195 kms.) 

        I walk at least 4 times a week for 45 to 60 minutes.  I’d like to do it daily; but, the lack of time prevented me to do so.

Walking and Its Benefits

        Being physically active contributes to good health.

        But do you know that being physically active does not have to be as costly as going to the gym? It could be just as cheap as walking at moderate intensity for 30 minutes or more on most days of the week!

        This is because walking is a good exercise! Walking:

1. helps with weight loss;
2. helps reduce blood pressure;
3. reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes;
4. relieves stress;
5. boosts overall energy levels;
6. strengthens the heart and reduces the risk of heart disease;
7. relieves depression and anxiety;
8. strengthens the body;
9. burns almost the same amount of calories as running;
10. uses almost all of the 650 muscles and 203 bones found in the human body;
11. and it’s relatively easier compared to other forms of exercise.

        So if it is easy, and it is cheap and it would benefit you in more ways than you can imagine, then why not start walking your way to good health now!

        And hey, why not make it more fun and motivating too. Share the benefits of walking to your loved ones by inviting them to walk with you!

(Reference:  Brooks, Mike. Walking and Its Benefits. Retrieved August 10, 2006)