Walking is so good for you....

Greatnan I'm also a keen walker - every day, as per my screen name, I walk along the River Thames.

So many pluses to walking: it's free; can be done in all weather; no special equipment needed; it just feels good, even on cold dark days!

Moved city walking is very do-able ..... I try to avoid the main roads so as not to breath in too many car fumes and once in the side streets and and parks it's as good as the countryside!

Last night we walked there and back to The Stones concert at Hyde Park - fuelled by much wine I have to admit

I think Andie my dog agrees walking is good for you.
When we go on certain walks we sometimes stop at a café for a coffee when we can sit outside and they find Andie something to eat free of charge.
He does pull towards these cafes when he gets near them.

Frank

I belonged to Rambler's Assoc.and often walked 12 miles or 5miles on evening walks.
Now with OA Knee and balance problem I can't do more than one mile on the flat -which I do weekly with our 'Walk for Health'gp.
Don't be disparaging of gyms.On the treadmill,cycle with bars to hold onto I get mobility exercise which I wouldn't otherwise.

Andie keeps on looking at his lead and then starts panting.
I think he wants to go for a walk but he knows it is too hot.

Frank

I am not disparaging of gyms - just those fit people who choose to drive to them in order to get exercise. I was so idle when I was in my 50's - I lived in Chelsea and drove to my office in Kensington High Street. The three miles took 20 minutes, so my average speed was about 9 mph. I was contributing to pollution and doing my own health no good at all. Thank goodness I discovered the joys of walking in my 60s when I retired.

I've just joined a gym . I was concerned that, if anything stopped me going [say my knee got really bad again] I would lose part of my years membership, but they will put it on hold for you if that happened. It'll be interesting to see what changes there are in six weeks time when I get checked out again. Pleased to know that my scales at home are way out [I thought they were; I weigh much less at work and the scales there are re calibrated on a regular basis]. My b/p is good as is my overall health, but my body fat is quite high. I'm not surprised at that as people tend to think I'm a lot slimmer than I actually am [due to having notalot in the bosom deptartment]. The gym is in the nearest town, so I'll combine it with a trip to the shops and local market [where the fruit is much cheaper than the supermarkets]. If I can strengthen up my legs and knees I'll try to do more walking. I used to love going to aerobics years ago and I do seem to be in an endorphin activated feel good mode at the moment but that could be the result of the vibrating couch that they put you on at the end of your session [I'm serious]. Look on me as an experiment .

I am a member of a walking club and walk once a week. The walks range between 3 and 4 miles. It keeps me fit and I learn things from the people I walk with.

Good for you Tegan
Greatnan many working people I know call at the gym en route or back from work and choose their gym with this in mind.
Like you and chrisy I'd say walking is an excellent form of exercise but not everyone has somewhere pleasant to walk nearby and they too could end up driving to a local park, footpath, etc. If you lack choice of where to walk it can be boring too, the same old track or pavement. You have some lovely places to walk so count yourself lucky. I think you do that anyway. I'd just be a tad worried that a woman alone is slightly vulnerable.

I'd love to find a walking group like that, chrisy. A friend of mine is in one but they do quite long walks, 10-15 miles and I don't think I could do that now. When I retire I'll be walking the dog every day, but I've lived in the same village for nearly 40 years and am pretty fed up of all the local walks so I'll probably end up driving somewhere. I also hate walking when it's wet; cold I don't mind, but I hate rain. Went to the gym today and did an hours exercise and am going to try the treadmill on Wednesday. I know I won't keep it up indefinately but at least it's kick started me into leading a healthier lifestyle.

Thank you for your concern, Aka, but the only time in my life I have ever felt nervous was when I lived in Lower Sloane Street and had to come out of Sloane Square tube station and walk to my flat! If I didn't walk alone, I couldn't walk at all. I would hate to be in a group as I like to go 'off piste' up any interesting path and stop when I like.

Enough, enough! - I want to go for walks again but can't due to aftermath of broken foot 10 months ago. I still use one crutch and can only walk short distances without pain. I am green with envy!

Any suggestions as to how to keep fit when in this situaition gratefuloly received. Swimming is the obvious one, but it makes my hip hurt!

I have been out having a lovely so just got onto the threads .

I also would be a tad nervous about walking alone in deserted areas , as if no-one knew my whereabouts how would I be found if I took a tumble as elderly can sometimes do.

When are in the USA and in National parks , people who want to off trail have to inform a Ranger , so that if they have not returned by a certain time , there can be posted a "look out ".

Andie my dog thinks walking is the best exercise and it is much better when you have a dog with you.

Frank

So what is the name of the dog Andie has with him ? Do tell ??

I don't expect that Andie (wonderful as he is!) could manage much in the way of pilates or weight-training...

ANA ,, do stop it , Andie will be upset !!!!!

I was going to add yoga, but had second thoughts....I've seen the contortions dogs (and cats) go through to get at their nether regions...

Of course Andie can lift weights

Do hope Frank doesn't see that he may get ideas for Andie !! Then were will we be , I ask myself , another string to the bow ??

Another thread on the forum, more probably!

Laugh , sweet dreams all