When we think of exercise, our minds immediately picture a sweaty workout class or a long run. The truth is, getting good exercise doesn’t have to be that complicated. It can be as easy as a daily walk outside. There’s no gym membership or equipment needed, all you need is a pair of gym shoes and a personal goal.
In my third year at LFHS, I have had my trials and tribulations with finding the best way to de-stress and manage all my work. Walking has become a huge part of my life and helped me find balance and take breaks in my busy schedule.
Finding time in your day to take a quick walk around the block may sound boring or unnecessary, but it can allow you to become more grounded in your daily routine.
Walking is not a new concept, it has always been around but, with the rising “Hot Girl Walk’ trend on TikTok, putting on a cute outfit and listening to your favorite music, people were going crazy over something as simple as a walk.
There are countless physical and mental benefits of walking, some include, enhancement of cardiovascular health, strengthening muscle endurance, and improving sleep, while also boosting one’s mood and energy through the circulation of brain and blood flow (Mayo Clinic).
“Anybody can start. If you just put one foot in front of the other, you can start anywhere you are at,” Wellness teacher Mrs. Erin O’Donnell said. “There are many proven health benefits from just starting. You don’t have to be this turbo athlete to be able to enjoy walking, whether it’s being in nature, listening to music or an audiobook, or talking with friends.”
Some people view walking as inferior to running, but walking has its unique benefits. It’s a low-impact and less intimidating exercise that can easily be integrated into anyone’s lifestyle, busy or not.
“Walking is not as hard on your joints as running. You’re still getting cardiovascular benefits, improving digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure,” O’Donnell said. “All these things can be worked on even through walking, it doesn’t have to be intense running… universally there are so many more people that can benefit from walking.”
It doesn’t take much to go on a walk. You don’t need to sign up for a class, buy equipment, or drive anywhere. The simple act of moving outdoors helps improve focus and lift one’s spirits. It allows you to connect with the beauty and peace of nature, collect your thoughts, and take a chance to disconnect from the chaos of high school.
I challenge everyone to go on a walk, it could be 20 minutes or 2 hours. Take a walk every day, and see how your daily routine changes and how much better you will feel.
