Walking to Stay Fit
by John Cardone
Walking. Many of us do it several times throughout the day. We walk to get from point A to point B for work and for play. But what does walking mean as an exercise? Does it really work? Can a simple act really shed pounds over time? My personal experience leads me to believe that this forward falling action can provide health benefits that will last a lifetime.
I’ve been in the fitness industry for over twenty years and have seen a lot of changes. In the early eighties, high impact aerobic exercise was all the rage. After many people complained of back and knee injuries, step aerobics was the next fad to hit the scene. Step aerobics is still popular among certain populations, but leaves a number of us with aches and pains in our joints. Running, as we all know, is a great cardiovascular workout, but can pose a risk to the skeletal structure, as well. So, what is still the safest way to get an aerobic workout on a regular basis? You got it! Walking. It requires minimal equipment and can be done almost anywhere at any time.
I learned that the body is perfectly designed for walking
Part of my personal journey has been to understand the mind, body and spirit connection. Twelve years ago I made a pilgrimage with my father to an ashram called Gurudev Siddha Peeth in Ganeshpuri, India to study the eastern perspective of yoga from a spiritual master named Gurumayi Chidvilasananda. The daily routine included an early morning meditation and seva, which literally means selfless service. My seva for the ashram was food preparation.
In addition to the sevas there was always one hour in the middle of the day when the monks suggested that we walk as part of our spiritual work. I was very surprised because I thought spiritual people just sat around all day chanting and meditating. Lo and behold, everyday at noon, my father and I walked around a dirt track outside of the ashram alongside the monks in their saffron robes. After that journey, I began to see a clearer connection between the mind and the body. I learned that the body is perfectly designed for walking and that walking has the power to lessen the stress inside of my mind.
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