Look. There's me, somewhere up there in North America.
Yesterday afternoon I was at a crossroads. I hadn't gotten any exercise in two days, I was losing the light and didn't feel like doing much. After an internal discussion with the voices in my head (just stay home, ride the exercise bike, go for a run, ride the bike outside) I settled on an old friend. I went for a walk. This momentous decision required changing my footwear to sneakers and putting on my coat. It was seriously low impact and allowed me to play with my ipod and choose slow songs I don't generally listen to when I'm kicking my workout. I was at peace.
I had the time to reflect on an article I read recently which discussed whether running burns more calories than a step class. The author reported that running burns more becuase you are moving your body against the force of gravity. This was an epiphany for me. It's like our planet is one giant piece of exercise equipment. No gym fees, it's available 24x7, and doesn't require any special equipment for the exerciser. If you can walk from your house to your car you can burn calories. Sneakers are optional. I've walked in motorcycle boots and other comfortable shoes. The trick is going farther than the car in your driveway. How far should one go? Sure, check with your proverbial doctor but if you can walk for 40 to 60 minutes a day you can burn calories and increase your fitness.
I'm still going to train but it was nice to relax with a walk on a cool Fall day. I stayed in my jeans, didn't get sweaty but still moved forward, stretching my legs. Then I was back home and I let Gravity pull me back down on the sofa for some snacks and football. A very pleasant afternoon, indeed.
