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All Walking is Good

Every day I walk a distance of 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) in my neighborhood in the Greater Vancouver area. As soon as I come home I feel refreshed and energized. Why have I been doing that? I have been walking for a couple of reasons: as with the majority of women, I exercise to control weight but also to relieve stress and recover inner peace after a busy morning.

There’s no doubt about it. Walking at a brisk pace is ideal. But not everyone can walk at a brisk pace. For example, the elderly, those extremely overweight, children, very pregnant women, people with physical disabilities including those recovering from heart attacks, cancer and bone density issues, require a slower pace.

Walking has other benefits beyond pure exercise. Walking has been shown to improve mental health, which can improve self-esteem, relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety and also control mood. During a walk, you move almost every part of your body so it’s healthy for your heart, lungs, muscles, bones and other organs. Many doctors have been encouraging walking to regain wellness after many different illnesses. Walking can help to lose weight; of course it helps to reduce your calories at the same time. Dr. Dean Ornish, founder, president and director of the non-profit Preventive Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito, California said,"When you run a mile, you’re burning mostly sugar, or carbohydrates; when you walk a mile, it gives your metabolism time to switch from burning carbohydrates to burning fat"

Walking can also help to prevent obesity in children. Unfortunately, our lifestyles have changed, particularly with the arrival of the digital industry. In addition, there has been a huge impact on regular activities such as reading, shopping, playing games, visiting friends, which can all now be done digitally from a sitting position. Instead of walking to a library, shopping centre or even park, we can sit and do everything by phone or on computer. Fortunately, if children can do regular exercise like walking, this healthy habit may prevent a multitude of problems.

In addition to physical health benefits, walking has other qualities such as relieving stress. Struggling with stress is a common problem which can happen to anyone anywhere. Surely, everyone has their own way to deal with stress. However, these are some of my walking experiences which have helped get rid of stress. While walking, I breathe deeply and swing my arms. This gives me the feeling of emancipation. In addition, I take advantage of the power of Nature by walking outside by parks or rivers. Being alone and resting my gaze on peaceful images such as birds, trees and plants allows me to release mental chatter. For a few moments, I can focus on my own inner thoughts, beliefs, goals and future. Likewise, praying and meditating during these times is really helpful. While being alone relieves stress, meeting others on the walk also helps me to feel encouraged. Talking with neighbors gives me a feeling of belonging to a community.

As a result, personally, I enjoy all walking, brisk or leisurely, because it not only has so many benefits, but it also offers convenience, accessibility and freedom from equipment or club memberships. I have ultimate freedom to walk anywhere, anytime, alone or with company.

Arghavan Reghabi moved to Canada from Iran when she was married 14 years ago. She has three beautiful children who all go to school, giving her a chance to go back to school and find another career, in addition to home management. Walking is her regular exercise which she believes is highly worthwhile.