Day 9

I'd like to talk about exercise in this post. As someone who suffers from a bad back and is now much closer to 50 than 40, my gym days are over. But I am very aware of the need to keep active and mobile. I don't mind growing old, I just don't want to be old and infirm!! Nowadays I get my exercise by walking, and boy do I walk! I walk the dog twice a day and whenever possible I also walk the short distance to work and back. This generally adds up to 4 - 5 miles per day. I certainly don't have any difficulty in achieving the recommended daily 10000 steps goal. 

             Here's my tally for today!

I've been walking for exercise for around two years and have noticed an improvement in aerobic fitness, stamina and muscle tone, without the negatives of sore joints and a bad back that I used to find when participating in exercise classes. 

However, to get the maximum benefit from walking I believe you need to:

1. Wear supportive trainers

2. Walk briskly (build up to at least 3.5miles per hour)

3. Aim to walk for at least half an hour per day 

4. Find an uplifting or peaceful to walk whenever possible (my favourite walks are along the beach)

5. Take the headphones out and look around you, notice your surroundings, appreciate the sights and sounds of nature. 

Getting up early is always worth it for a         beautiful sunrise. 

Finally, once walking becomes a habit you will find it is very addictive - it's like a daily dose of feel-good medicine.