Walking On My Mind!
When walking to lose weight, going somewhere always seems better than walking round in circles. Sometimes though a pleasant uncommitted walk is a nice way to enjoy the day. A bit of a meander or stroll, as long as the distance is there can be what is needed to succeed. Overall it is better to do some walking each day. Some days may be longer distances than others but it is important to keep walking. If you’re like me you know many people who, knowing you walk, tell you how they used to walk, and felt so good, but something happened and they got out of the habit and haven’t been able to get back into it.
This morning I almost went to the gym but at the last minute I drove past and continued on, not quite sure where I was going. It looked like being a nice day and as it is Sunday, 9.30 am is early. I hesitated but then pulled in to a shopping centre where I often walk to lose weight. This time however I did it differently. Usually I use it to get extra walking in while I’m shopping maybe going the long way round back to the car, for instance. However this morning I realized that this time of the week was much better for walking around the mall. Most shops other than supermarkets, hadn’t opened yet- they open at 10 am. I was able to park down one end of the centre. I then walked to the other end about 1 km away. I walked inside (air conditioned and in the shade), then outside (sunny and fresh air). There are 2 levels of shops and then another level of car park. All in all I found that without trying I had a pleasant environment with lengthy, alternative circuitous routes. At the end after doing a 4 km walk, I was able to have coffee and do some Christmas gift browsing. Going through the car park I played the game I have used the last few years I’ve been walking. I modified it from the traditional car spotting game for families trying to keep kids entertained during car trips. Choose a car, one that is not overly common in the area you live. Mine is the Chrysler PT Cruiser. I keep an eye out for this car and I recognize most of the local ones now. While they are far from common there are enough to make the game worthwhile. I take particular pleasure if I find one whose color I haven’t seen before. Playing games is one of the ways I keep walking every day.
