Put a Little Step in Your Spring

Spring has sprung! Have you? One way to shake off those groggy winter hibernation feelings is to Put a Little Step In Your Spring.

Regular Brisk Walking

Means you can talk but maybe not sing. You may be slightly out of breath.
Improves overall health.
Can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Prevents chronic health conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
Strengthens bones.
“Boosts” or increases muscle power and endurance.

Woman with walking stick wearing purple sweater and black pants on dirt path in front of stone sign and split rail fence — Ready to walk to the top (of Mt Vesuvius) Photo Source: Richard Waid

Strive for 10,000 Steps a Day

Spring clean your house.
Mow the lawn.
Dance around your living room.
Take the stairs.
Park in the farthest spot in the parking lot from your destination.
Wear a pedometer or electronic fitness device to measure how many steps you’ve gone.
Try for at least 30 minutes a day. If you can’t – break up your walking into smaller segments.
Vary your intensity – speed up, slow down. Then repeat.
Vary the view. Try different settings to walk – your neighborhood, the beach, or the woods.

Make It Social

Let your dog take you for a walk. (Be sure to bring cleanup bags with you and have your best friend(s) on a leash.)
Walk with friends.
Make it a family routine.
Join a walking club.
Compete with a group to see who can get the most steps.
Walk in the mall or a park. And say hello to people as you pass by.
Mindful walk – notice the colors around you, how your feet feel as they step down on different surfaces, the variety of sounds you hear on your walk. Meet someone along the way. Learn their name…and remember it. For info on mindfulness, check out this UF/IFAS publication: Mindfulness: an Introduction

Always remember to walk in a safe environment, wear comfortable walking shoes, and check with your medical provider for the best walking strategies for you.

So this spring, see how the flowers pop in color. Hear all the different sounds the birds make or enjoy some of your favorite music. Feel the wind and sun on your face. You can do all that and more when you Put a Little Step in Your Spring.