Walking Shoes - Walking and Other 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......

[Elizabeth CP]

Hi Shell & Dools & everyone else reading. I hope your knee heels quick Dools and you start feeling better Shell.

Today my only exercise was walking around Bunnings as I was exhausted after spending yesterday helping my sonmove house. His new place is 2 storey so I walked up and down the stairs with loads numerous times. My knees are really stiff and sore when I use them today. I have been doing gentle exercises of my hand to stop my thumb and fingers stiffening up and causing more problems I've also done massage to help relieve the stiffness.

Thursday I went to my daughters and took the kids to the playground twice. They had a tricycle & scooters so they could ride down the hill. Only a short easy walk but lovely to enjoy the sunshine and watching the kids enjoy themselves was great. Reminded me how important this type of walk is for mental /emotional health rather than physical health. I loved watching them gradually building confidence scooting downhill. Watching the older boys helping their younger brother on the play equipment was nice. I love seeing the excitement when a child finally masters something which is difficult.

Remember walking for physical fitness is important but there are huge benefits from more gentle walks with friends or family or even alone enjoying socialising or taking time to watch interesting things.

[Guest_1055]

Yeah I agree about walking helping other parts of ourselves. It feels like that when I walk with my sisters. And my son as well.

So glad you have some grandsons to watch and visit with and see them grow up.

Those bunnings are huge, and have long isles. So yeah can be quite a bit of walking sometimes when you are in there. Especially if you are looking for a few different items in different isles.

You are sounding a bit better within yourself Elizabeth? And I am glad for you.

[Guest_1055]

Thinking of you Mrs D, and giving you a hug if you would like one.

[Guest_1055]

Got out there today and walked on the beach. To the end and back.

The sand felt quite cold on my feet to start with, but I soon became used to it. Didnt notice the chill in it any longer. Felt the gritty particles and noticed how free my feet felt walking on it though . I like the "free feeling"I also noticed tiny sparkling specks as I was looking down. And of course tons of footprints. Those little bubba ones are adorable.

I did walk in the water some. Ooh gosh freezing.

On the way back, I did look up. Looked up into the sky. It was that pretty clear blue. With no clouds in sight. And I forced my body to stand tall and pulled the abdomen muscles in while I walked. And I also deep breathed a few times Love breathing in deep that crisp ocean air.

Sometimes when I am struggling with not good emotions, I do look down much more when I walk. Then I guess you do miss things in life and it feels more inward. But then again you can see the world happening down there as well. If you really focus on it. Focus on what you see down there.

Glad I walked this morning.

[Doolhof]

Hi Shelley, Elizabeth and All,

I might go for a drive later and take a walk somewhere different. If I am careful, I can walk for about an hour with my knee now.

Shelley, it can be very interesting to look down when walking as well as all around us. While walking in the Conservation park the other day I spotted what I think may have been a wild orchid, if I was looking up I would have missed it.

Thanks for the offer of hugs Shelley, I really am struggling right now and trying hard to move on!

I do like to take photos on my phone, I don't have them on Instagram, I have never used that. I only have my husband to show me stuff other wise I have no idea how to use technology.

Elizabeth, it sounds like you were busy helping your son and so nice to be with the grand children as well. Hope your aches and pains ease.

Yes, a walk can be so many things besides just exercise.

Cheers all from Dools

[Guest_1055]

I can see you are indeed struggling Mrs D. It is behind your words. I am so sorry. Really do wish I could take it all away for you.

And yeah true, you do see things while you are looking down and walking. Think I also hang my head for other reasons though, like shame... the feeling of hiding from everyone else. Others can't see my face and I cannot see theres thing happening. Sometimes when I am just sad, I do tend to look down. Just want to be in my own world. Of course you need to for practical reasons as well. Such as if you are walking on uneven ground etc.

You are welcome in regards to the hug. Much care to you Mrs D

[Doolhof]

Hi Shelley,

Thinking of you and hoping you have an okay kind of a day. Sorry to know you are struggling as well.

Yesterday I went for a drive intending to walk somewhere else. I drove tot he Post Office, collected the mail. Sat in the car and had no idea where to go so I returned home and cried!

I'm going to push myself out the door this morning for a walk like it or not!

Then I am off to do some volunteering and have to work. I want to just stay home in bed. Guess I need to be thankful I have somewhere to be today.

My walk will be up the main road surrounded by paddocks.

Cheers from Mrs. D.

[topsy_]

Hubby & I went for our very first walk today. Neither of us ever do anything physical & while I’m perfectly happy being lazy, I’ve been worrying about hubby. He feels weak, with no energy so I’m hoping a little walk a few days a week might help improve his stamina. It was only a tiny walk as he knocked up so quickly. We’ll see how it goes. If he doesn’t feel any better sometime soon I might have to drag him off to the doctor.

The plan was to take our dog too but he’s awful around other dogs. We’ll have to find somewhere not frequented by other hounds.

[Guest_1055]

Hi all,

Yesterday I travelled about 1 hour drive from my place. Pretty much on the coast line.

We went walking on top of a tall bushy mountain. Walked to a lookout there. I could see the beach from there...one I spent many school holidays on. I also noticed "the spit" which is a sometimes covered area of sand when the tide is in. This spit connects an island to the main beach when the tide is low enough. I have never seen the island from the lookout. And I have never walked over to the island. But I do want to one day. Just got to pick the safest time to go, so you are not stranded on it is all. We saw the spouts of water from so whales too from the lookout.

We walked on a trial on this mountain too. The trail was flat in sections, quite rocky in other bits. There were also a few timber steps every now and then to walk down. We were surrounded by bush mostly, but at times when there was a gap, I could see the ocean. And I could hear it sort of below us. This walk was around 5km or so, but felt more. I also noticed the lighthouse on the island from this particular trail. I knew there was one on there. But never seen it. Beautiful sunny day too.

Then today I went walking with my sister out near the ocean on a path that runs along more of the port here. This then connects to Breakwater Path. So we walked on that as well. It was a nice walk. After I showed her "Comfy Rock" we sat there a while on it and kept studying the ocean below. We were looking for the dolphins with the black fins. There seem to be many of them surfacing out of the water then back in again they went. So smooth and graceful they looked.

[Guest_1055]

I like your determination there Mrs D. Its great.

How did you find yourself on the walk on the main road, was there any animals in the paddocks or some crops growing.

I have been in similar situations as you... the post office,(except other buildings) perhaps emotions so loud that you can't think straight and crying. I don't know why I cry so very much. Everything just gets too much I guess. Are you feeling any better.

And Thankyou for caring Mrs D.