Walking and Exercise

[Guest_1055]

Hey to anyone reading this.

Last night I had an idea about starting a new thread about exercise especially walking. I am aware that walking is very beneficial for our mental, emotional and physical well being. And by actually doing it....well it can make a huge difference to how we cope with the storms that we face in life.

OK, I am not real good at disciplining myself to walk, and have to really push myself to do it. And sometimes it is even hard to leave this bedroom. Anyway I am not a beginner walker, as I have stuck to sort of a plan before. So I know that it does make me feel somewhat better. But I only stayed on the plan for a couple of months, then gave up.....for whatever reason. So here I am again wanting desperately to not fail this time.

So I guess this thread is for anyone that does walk, anyone that is struggling to walk because of depression or anxiety issues. And anyone else really......

I am unsure of the outcome of all this. But my ideas included: Sharing about things we have found out about exercise especially about walking. Writing down the reasons that one would chose to walk ( like something to help motivate). Being accountable in same way. Sharing about the places where we actually do walk, like the beach, gym, around the block, with the dog, out to the clothesline and back. And any other useful tips that could help others. So here we go......

[velvetfaerie]

I enjoyed your words Elizabeth. I think I need a little get away with lots of walking. I've done less exercise this week because of not doing too well/lack of sleep/exhaustion etc.... its a nasty cycle 😕

There seems to be lots of good self care going on in this thread..... 🙂

You are all inspirational and educational:)

C.

[Elizabeth CP]

Today I was really tired as I didn't sleep well last night due to the heat so I had to force myself to put away everything from our trip & catch up with washing, dishes, shopping etc. We did a short walk late afternoon. It was a short walk but at least I did it. Hopefully I'll feel better after a decent nights sleep tonight

[velvetfaerie]

Today for me is train and walking day. These days I usually manage 6-8km on foot. When the weather is favourable it is ever so lovely. 🙂

Elizabeth - I hope you are rested. can you give me hints if you managed? 🙂

C.

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[Guest_1055]

Hi Elizabeth, Taurus, Chae and anyone else,

I have been struggling to comprehend what you have all said, even though I have read over a few times. Anyway I wanted to say hello. The last time I excerised was on Tuesday. I went for a walk in the water reservoir reserve. As the weather was rainy then not, then rainy that day, we went in between rain showers. It was a bit muddy on the trails.

I have been feeling super tired since Tuesday. So I have been lying down a lot.

[Guest_1055]

Hi everyone

I decided to go to the gym this afternoon. I drank an ice coffee and I know for me this gave me a boost of energy and alertness. I really am trying to stay away from caffeine and sugars though, because it can sometimes make my body jittery and I become easily angered as well.

I have now worked out exercising in the late evenings effects how I sleep. I am too alert after it.

Also does anyone else know about the correct way to walk? I never really thought about it much before. Anyway here is some hints from some research I did:

• Think of being tall and straight, not leaning forward or backward.

• Don't arch your back.

• Imagine a string attached to the top of your head. Feel it lift you up from your hips so you are tall and straight.

• Stomach in: Now engage your core muscles by slightly sucking in your stomach. This will help you maintain good posture while walking.​

I was talking about what I found out with my sister on Tuesday. She knows a little about ballet. And apparently that is how the ballerinas are taught to walk. Except how they hold there feet and arms, that is quite different.

Anyway I have been practicing walking tall and straight, and imagining a string pulling me up from the top of my head. And I have also been pulling in the tummy muscles. I haven't got the hang of it yet fully.

From my understanding walking this way is good for your posture and to help prevent injuries.

Has anyone else heard all this before? Like what are your thoughts on it?

Shell xx

[Elizabeth CP]

Hi Hope you can find a better time to exercise so you get the benefits without affecting sleep. Exercising early evening is better as you have time to relax after. Your research re walking properly applies to standing as well. Good posture ensures all your organs are in the correct position & your body can work well without strain. My only concern is that if we worry too much about doing everything 'properly'we may miss out on the benefits of just doing it. I think it is really important to walk & enjoy the view or just get a break from negative thoughts & think about how we're doing good for our mind & body. Worrying about if you are doing it right might spoil that. I guess it is about doing what feels right in our physical & mental state.

I had a better sleep last night as it was cooler so I felt a bit better. I did a short walk this morning after breakfast. I've had a busy day so unable to do more.

[Guest_1055]

Hi Elizabeth,

I am glad you got a better nights sleep. I also enjoyed reading about your trip through Victoria and into Adelaide.

Oh my gosh, totally agree it is definitely not worth worrying about whether you walk with correct posture. When I was practicing I wasn't worried at all. Like the driving force in me was not worry, but rather a fascination and curiosity as to see if it made a difference to my endurance, breathing , muscles etc. Plus the time that I did manage to walk tall like, well my body did feel better in some way. Personally I will keep going with it, because over time it may just come natural to me, so one doesn't think about it at all. Plus I found it fun as well.

And yeah totally agree with you Elizabeth...... some views you see when out walking are beautiful. And one wouldn't want to miss out on them? And you must have seen many , especially walking over mountains etc.

Hope you have a good day tomorrow Elizabeth.

love Shell xx

[Guest_1055]

Hi Taurus,

I just re read your post from a couple of days ago. Are you noticing any good differences within yourself going to the Pilates/ yoga class at the gym? And have you swam in the pool again there?

Thankyou for saying you enjoy reading about the walks I go on. And thankyou too Elizabeth and Chae.

Anyway good on You Taurus.

Love shell

[Guest_1055]

Hi Chae,

Are you feeling any better today? If not....I do hope you get better soon.

Love Shell

[Guest_9809]

Hi Shell,

I think after only 4 weeks at my pilates/yoga class it may be a little early to determine if there are any real improvements. Either physically or mentally. Physically, I am probably a little less stiff and sore afterwards, so thats probably a good thing. As I am only going once a week, its highly unlikely to help with sleep, so no change there either. On the up side though, I do feel good for having done it. Afterwards that is. I give myself a tick for effort, because it does take quite an effort. So I guess anything that makes you feel good, even in a small way, is a good thing overall. Right?

No, I only went swimming the one time. But hubby will be going away in a couple of weeks, so I may go swimming after my yoga class while he's away. I wont have to rush back to get lunch ready, so I will have a bit more flexibility.

Shell I was interested to read about posture and the correct way to walk. I am not a power walker or anything, but I do make sure I 'walk tall' when I go for my walks. Well, as tall as someone of only 5'2" can stretch themselves anyway. And I always engage my core muscles as well, so yep, the stomach is always sucked in. Pilates is very big with core muscle control, and I used to do some pilates before.

Sounds as though you are doing really well at the gym yourself Shell. And I agree with you that exercising just before bed doesnt help with sleep. I used to find that even back in my squash playing days. Often we would be playing a hard and fast game of squash as late as 10pm, and then when you get home, you cant sleep for hours. So adjusting your time to an earlier timeslot sounds like a sensible idea. And now that the hot summer weather has finished, its easier exercising earlier in the day too. My gym class is from 10.30am, which for me, is ideal. Time for breakfast to go down, and still time to get home afterwards to get lunch ready.

Keep up the good work everyone. And thanks Elizabeth for your input about correct posture, as well as the importance of just simply 'doing' things. Good point.

Taurus xx