Walk For Good Health

Like I said earlier, its springtime. And this week, I am going to concentrate on activities that revolve around this season.

Spring is an optimum time to start an exercise program. Definitely better than Jan 1. Reason being the days are longer, and the weather is better. Exercise doesn’t feel so much like a sentence when you are able to do it outside. And by far the best exercise for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is walking. Why? Because the pace can be varied to fit your needs, and you can walk as long or as short as you need.

All you need is a pair of good shoes, and a bottle of water. Anything else is unnecessary. Although things like an ipod can make it a bit more enjoyable, if the scenic route you are taking isn’t so scenic. Music also can help you pick up the pace a bit. If you are interested in making your walking program serious – you might want to get yourself a pedometer, and all those other little toys.

How to start? Well make sure you stretch well first…and then just head out your door. Start slowly. Walk for 10 minutes. That isn’t so far. If you aren’t able to do 10, then how about 7 min? When you get home, make sure you stretch your muscles – as you really don’t want cramping. And I repeat: Drink plenty of water, before, during and after your walk.

I personally like walking to music (sometime podcasts, but they tend to distract me). Here is a list of 10 songs, that I like walking to – the pace changes a lot on these. So find an order that works for you. This list is in no particular order.

1. Bathtime in Clerkenwell – (The Real) Tuesday Weld

2. Flood Pt. 1 – The Acorn

3. How It Should Be (Sha Sha) – Ben Kweller

4. Maggie’s Farm – Bob Dylan

5. Delia’s Gone – Johnny Cash (slow pace, when it gets difficult – its slow but steady)

6. The 59th St Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) – Simon and Garfunkel

7. Everybody’s Going to be Happy – The Kinks

8. Bolero – Pink Martini – (helps when you need to groove a bit – but still keep a somewhat slow pace)

9. Flowers On The Wall – The Statler Brothers

10. Part 1 Koln Concert – Keith Jarrett – really good cool down music, almost meditative.

Remember that the best way to choose music for your walk, is to pick music that is going to make you smile. You will be more inclined to complete your walk, if you are happy with how its going. So if you would rather walk to the big band sounds of Glen Miller, or walk to thrash metal – that is your choice.

The point is – get walking!

**Picture Source – Flickr