Chapter 1: The Shift in Perspective

Over the years, I've experimented with countless unique workouts, but nothing quite matches the serenity of a simple walk.

Photo by Danilo ?ali? on Unsplash

In the past, my busy lifestyle made walking seem inefficient and inconvenient. Opting to drive rather than walk felt like a smarter choice, especially since my car could get me to my destination in less time.

However, I found that the thought of walking to college was unappealing, particularly during the cold, dark winter months. As a woman, I often felt uneasy walking alone, limiting my walks to daylight hours. Now that summer is approaching, the weather has become pleasant, and the sun shines brightly even in the mornings.

Recently, I decided to change my habits and commit to walking to college every day. I realized I was wasting money on gas for a brief five-minute drive when I could easily incorporate more physical activity into my routine. With longer daylight hours, I no longer have an excuse to avoid the 20-minute walk.

On Monday, I embraced this new routine and felt a surge of motivation in the mornings. Listening to music during my walks uplifts my spirits and sets a positive tone for the day. I take in the fresh air and bask in the warmth of the morning sun. The benefits I had overlooked are numerous, including:

• A Gentle Awakening: Walking gives me the time to wake up gradually, especially on days when I need to leave by 7:30 AM. It helps my mind to engage slowly and prepares me for the day ahead.
• Energizing Exercise: The steady pace of walking elevates my heart rate and warms up my muscles, leaving me energized and ready to tackle my studies without feeling sluggish.
• A Rosy Complexion: After a long winter, I often look pale and fatigued. A brisk walk not only adds color to my cheeks but also boosts my confidence.
• Achieving Daily Goals: I consistently reach my target of 10,000 steps, thanks to walking to and from college and staying active throughout the day.
• Time for Reflection: In our fast-paced lives, finding time to think is a rarity. Walking provides the perfect opportunity for contemplation.
• Flexible Exercise: If I miss a gym session, I can still feel accomplished knowing I've exercised through my walks.
• Fresh Air: With a packed schedule, I often realize that I haven't spent enough time outdoors. Walking conveniently solves this problem.
• Mindful Living: Walking encourages me to slow down and appreciate my surroundings. It transforms my pace, forcing me to savor each moment.

As illustrated, the advantages of walking far outweigh those of driving. The benefits I've listed are just a few that come to mind, and I’m sure there are many more to discover.

I've developed a newfound appreciation for walking—not just hiking, which I already loved, but the simple act of walking itself.

I used to question why anyone would choose to walk when driving was an option. I viewed it as a waste of time, hindering productivity. Now, I understand that walking is anything but a delay; it's a vital contributor to both physical and mental well-being.

The impact of a walk is astonishing—once you start, the differences become evident.

I encourage you to give walking a try if you haven't already! As a dancer and fitness enthusiast, I can confidently say that walking has become my favorite form of exercise. Please share any insights or thoughts you have while walking. Thank you for reading!

Chapter 2: The Benefits of Walking

This video discusses the numerous advantages of walking, emphasizing why it's become an essential part of my daily routine.

In this video, viewers learn why walking is heralded as one of the best forms of exercise, showcasing its benefits over other workouts.