Taking Your First Steps

I walked 6 blocks this morning while reporting for jury duty.  When I was dismissed and returned to my car, I was amazed how invigorated I felt.
And, no, it wasn’t because I was anxious about being selected as a juror. It was the brisk walking first thing in the morning!
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  --Laozi
I learned this Chinese proverb years ago during graduate school for Chinese Medicine.  I asked my dad about this.  “Ah...that’s a very famous philosopher.”  He continued to quote Laozi in Mandarin.
Most Americans don’t walk enough.  Unless they live in an urban area where they take public transit, walking 10,000 steps is not an everyday activity. People tend to drive everywhere to save time.  They also drive because it’s more comfortable on their bodies.  It’s hard for many people to surpass 5000 steps in a day.  
If you’re like me and live in suburbia, here are some suggestions to increase your steps:
  1. Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially when running errands
  2. Park at the furthest corner of the parking lot
  3. Walk around while brushing your teeth
  4. Take the stairs whenever possible
  5. Avoid drive thrus
  6. Add a few minutes for each appointment or stop
  7. Walk your neighbor's dog if you don't have one
Walking is a basic form of movement.  There are some folks who are built for running.  Everybody is built for walking!
Walking is the perfect, low impact exercise.  If walking is the main mode of exercise, I recommend at least 30 minutes a day, at a pace that works up a lights sweat in the underarm area.  
Wear sneakers.  Add inserts if needed to support the arches.  Most of us over 40 benefit from arch support. (I like Prostep inserts.)

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