Okay, I admit it...I'm used to being a pretty sedentary person. There are, however, a few things that I am very willing to do to get some exercise, and one of them is walking. Recently I've gotten onto a pretty good yoga kick, and it feels great, but all around me are reminders that a daily walk is also the perfect fit for easing your way to, well, fitness.
When I was pregnant with my daughter I would walk as much as eight miles a day. My house is a very short distance from a lovely paved trail that is used by pedestrians (both walking and running), bicyclists and riders on horses. On crisp, clear days my dog and I would hit the trail and meander for miles, then hoof it back, and on wet days we'd take faster jaunts down the trail and back through the neighborhood. When I was feeling particularly social, I'd do several laps through the neighborhood, stopping to chat with other new moms and soon-to-be mommies, sharing our milestones and stretch mark horror stories.
After my Little was born, I kept it up, because a baby in a stroller is a very mobile baby. Once they outgrow that stroller though, watch out. Some kids are content to be pushed along on a trike with locked wheels or they'll pedal along on their bike, training wheels and all, for as far as you'll go with them. Others (like mine!) are not so willing. And that's where my walking routine ended.
I'd love to get back into it, and I'm seeing signs everywhere telling me to try. Parents magazine has a great walking workout in their September issue that includes tips for stretching, warming up, ways to walk, and cool down tips. They've even created a treadmill version for those who prefer the gym or have a home treadmill. Fit Pregnancy has a great workout for those interested in walking as well. They've got it set up for folks who are sedentary, those who are at an intermediate fitness level, and those who consider themselves to be very active already. Either of these walking workouts would be great for folks who are just trying to get out of the house and get more fit, pregnant or not. Give them a shot!
Comment Preview