A daily walk is so underestimated

[QwertyWitch]

A daily walk is crucial to wellbeing (if physically able)
Emotional, physical and mental. It should be promoted more but many people don't realise the importance of it.
I wonder if people got scared off 10k steps a day but even 4K steps does a lot of good.
Should there be more promotion?

I go for three walks a day with my dog and I don’t have a car so walk everywhere else too unless it’s too far, then I get on the metro or bus. Still have to walk to those though. On a normal day I do 15-18k steps and have done for the last 14 years when I got my first dog. My kids grew up walking a lot from a young age so it’s a normal part of their lives too now when they are adults.

it’s so good for your mental and physical health. It’s even good for your eyes!

A judgemental attitude is not pleasant.

This.
We're out most evenings at the moment with the kids.

I agree - I work from home and take the dog out first thing in the morning for 40 minutes or so - sets me up for the day and wakes me up (especially in the gales we had this morning ). I used to 'walk to work' each morning before we even got a dog! lol

I've also torn my rotator cuff and I'm annoyed at not being able to get out and do as much in the garden, so I am grateful I can still go on my morning walk at least. I'd be so grumpy if I couldn't do that.

I will spare you from the details, but life has not been easy the past few years, and every day for quite a while, I was having some very dark thoughts.

Earlier this year, I went on a spontaneous walk in a park very local to me. I had never been to this park before and it has a 2 mile circuit to walk around.

I was absolutely amazed at the beauty and wildlife which was literally on my doorstep and went back the next day, and the next, and the next.

So, I am now walking the 2 mile circuit daily, getting fresh air and exercise, having brief exchanges with dog walkers and others out walking.

I have also met the most amazing 92 year old lady, she walks the route daily with splints on her legs and walking poles. Sometimes we share 15 mins or so on a bench to have a rest, or watch the world go by, she has told me that she has walked the circuit every day for 70 years. We have a similar sense of humour and have shared some real laughs which in itself has made me feel so much better.

Moving on, I don’t mean to sound dramatic, but that first spontaneous walk, has literally saved my life! I can’t imagine not going, I come home feeling uplifted, energised and appreciative of the nature that’s around us.

Ah I love the dog walks... great aren't they? Good for the soul. Hope your back gets better soon.

I was absolutely amazed at the beauty and wildlife which was literally on my doorstep and went back the next day, and the next, and the next

Love this and I agree. Having a dog I am forced to walk daily and it's been sooooo good for my mental health. Being underneath trees and around nature whilst walking is such an uplifting experience and I always feel better afterwards.

I also run which is great but there is something about a relaxed walk in nature that does the world of good.

Should there be more promotion?
I think k the be fits of walking are well promoted t h.
Everyday there's an article somewhere in my feeds about how walking is good for you.

Similar here with diagnosis of OA in the hips before age of 40. I have to be very careful not to over do it. But do enjoy the fresh air and it's many other benefits.

Do what you can, don't push yourself too hard🩷

Ha I've just realised we name our walks too! 😂Glad it's not just me!

Last year I learned how to walk again, after getting necrotising fascitis in my leg and being in ICU for 8 weeks. I was bed bound for 5 months.
It took me five fucking months to do 3-4 steps with a frame!
Now I walk up to an hour with my dog ( my husband also walks the dog don't shoot me )
To people it might not be much
But having nearly lost my leg and having lost lots of fat/muscle/nerves and having a 13cm scar I can tell you it does me the world of good to go for a walk

This is just lovely... so glad you're enjoying it. It's great to have such a lovely park nearby. Watching the seasons change is fascinating too. Enjoy!

Whilst I acknowledge the benefits of walking, for me it's swimming that affects my mental health the most. During lockdown when the pools were closed I was desperate for a swim and joined a wild swimming group. As it's a 10 mile cycle ride to get to the river I'm getting plenty of exercise doing this.
I do also walk around my local park but it doesn't leave me feeling the same as swimming with swans 😍

So, with the DC, in winter we go on a "dark" walk with hats and gloves on, and head torches. They love it as its an adventure.

At average walking pace, how long a time does a 10k steps walk take you all?

It's one of the greatest gifts the dog has given me - a reason to go out twice a day every day for a walk in nature. Whatever the weather. Whatever else is going on. The dog Must Be Walked.

I do my 10k steps a day and find walking pleasant enough but it really feels like no effort at all and I know I’ve lost loads of fitness since I had to stop running due to an injury. I’d be glad if it’s doing me good in a way I can’t see!

I have a dog so walk a lot (2 hours a day) but can’t say it makes me feel particularly amazing. My Pilates classes and strength training sessions do far more for my mental health than walking. We’re all different I guess.

I get very irritable if I feel I have to walk for the sake of it.
I don't mind walking for a purpose to get somewhere but just going for a walk does nothing for me mentally.
Playing a good game of tennis does the most for me, but other forms help too. But not walking.

It's well recorded that exercise releases endorphins which helps mental health, but it doesn't have to be walking. That might be your choice of exercise but it's no better than other forms.
This thread reminds me a bit of when you get someone who likes to rise early telling you how much better for you it is to get up early, and how much more you can get done if you're up by 6am, forgetting that the later riser is still going strong at 10pm when they're asleep.

I’m going to actually take the lunch break I always block out in my diary and go for a 30 min door to door walk next week. Saw the weight loss when I used to have a dog.

Can anyone recommend any you tube channels or apps for stretches/basic exercises at home? I sit at a lap top all day and had a Thai fusion massage yesterday. My back particularly my right shoulder is knotted to hell. Having another massage in 2 weeks but what can I do daily to best maintain the looseness the massage gives?

Sorry for those who have arthritis and conditions that hinder them. Doing what you can is a good attitude.

@Needtocleanupdogsick lovely story

It's no secret that those who are active, have better health outcomes. Even reducing anxiety, stress and anger which are huge issues in society currently.
In older age, the risks of dementia and other illnesses are reduced if you're active.

All responsible dog owners know they need to get their dogs out for walks. Us humans are active mammals too and should be doing the same for ourselves.

I don't feel there's enough push for this. It's general advice, yes, but it should be promoted more in a way that enables everyone to understand the importance of it.
We're becoming more and more sedentary. Kids and teens are spending more and more time gaming and are dangerously inactive.

It's about five miles and people tend to walk at 15-20 mins a mile. So 75 - 100 mins.

Nah its boring unless you're walking to the pub.

I prefer swimming.

Watching the seasons change is fascinating too.

this is my favourite thing about walking

@MargaretThursday of course any activity is good for you. I just wanted to point out that even a simple walk can be powerful and is underestimated.
Of course there are people who go to the gym or cycle or swim or are active in a sport. They'll already know how important activity is.