And why you should, too
Whatever your exercise program, you should walk outdoors every day. But don’t take my word for it. Listen to these philosophers:
“Walking is man’s best medicine.”
Hippocrates, the Greek physician and founder of medicine knew his stuff. In the intervening 2,500 years, medical researchers have noted that walking reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes, lowers blood pressure, wards off dementia, reduces obesity, and strengthens muscles.
“An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.”
Henry David Thoreau understood that walking is good not only for your body but also for your spirit. People who walk sleep better and have more energy. They have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression.
“Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far.”
As Thomas Jefferson advised, make walking a habit. Try to walk every day at the same time. You can slip a few minutes of walking into a busy day by parking farther away or walking to the next-closest subway stop. There’s more benefit in a half-hour walk every day than in a run once a week.
“Take a two–mile walk every morning before breakfast.”
Harry S. Truman knew that you can walk anywhere, even if you’re the President. You don’t need special clothing or equipment. You can walk in most types of weather. Walking is free.
“No problem is so formidable that you can’t wall away from it.”
Feeling stressed? Get outdoors. And Charles M. Schulz would suggest that you take Snoopy with you. If you don’t have a dog, offer to walk a neighbor’s pet. Or make a regular date with a human friend to keep you both walking every day.
“A penny saved is a penny earned.”
Benjamin Franklin never drove but he would adise you to save gas. Save on medical bills, massages, physical therapy. Walk.
