Taking 'Steps' Toward Better Health

This week, our Community of Losers explores the benefits of fitness and weight loss through walking. With nicer weather these days, you have run out of excuses if you’re not walking.

In establishing a regular walking routine, a well-known ancient Chinese Proverb is somewhat apropos: The longest journey begins with the first step.

Often times, the hardest thing is just getting started. Once you accomplish this, physics will kick in. A body in motion tends to stay in motion. Thanks Newton! (Okay dieters, I’m not talking Fig Newtons here! )   

For me, the hardest thing is getting my sneakers on. Once I have put them on, I am committed. My ritual: I won’t allow myself to take my sneakers off until I have walked. Since my preference is sans shoes, this is a big motivator for me.

It is important to commit to your walking regiment by investing in happy feet. For some of us procrastinators, this can be the biggest feat! Don’t set yourself up for fitness failure by walking in bad shoes that may lack support or don’t fit you properly. Your feet will not take kindly to this.

If you do not already own a pair of good walking shoes, then get moving and purchase some. Warning: this will not be cheap! Budget accordingly. There are several area shoe stores that will measure and help fit your feet properly. I recommend calling around first to take advantage of their services.

Shoe fittings are generally complimentary from these merchants, but make sure you get someone who is competent. Inquire about their experience and expertise. Ask questions. How long have they been fitting shoes? What training have they had? Is there someone with more experience on staff who could advise you appropriately?

Contrary to our experiences growing up, a proper shoe fit requires more than your mom telling you to balance all your weight on one foot and squeezing your toe at the end of your sneaker.

The old adage–if the shoe fits, wear it–doesn’t stop here. Sock it to me! Yes, socks matter. Have you taken a look at the selection of socks in your local athletic store? There are socks for arch support, socks for prevention of calluses, and socks for wicking just to name a few.

If you are not familiar with the term wicking, it most commonly refers to the ability of the fabric to breathe and keep your skin dry from sweat. Socks made especially for walking are more expensive, but this is money well spent when you consider all the benefits of protecting your feet. This can also serve as an antimicrobial element which will help keep bacteria from building up on your feet and in your sneakers. Your nose will thank you.

There are plenty of bells and whistles you can invest in to enhance your walking experience. Some of these include a mobile listening device, such as an iPod, Walkman or MP3 player. You can also wear an arm, wrist or fanny pack which can come in handy for your necessities like keys and sunscreen. Don’t forget your water bottle. Keep yourself hydrated.  

You can purchase a heart rate monitor which can be easily worn to help you keep your target heart rate while walking. Another gadget you may want to get is a pedometer to measure your steps and distance walked. This is not an expensive item, and both can be readily found at any drug store or mass merchandiser.

Whatever your fitness goal, walking should be a part of your routine if you are physically capable. Start in small increments and increase your goal every week. It is part of good cardiovascular health. Consider walking with a friend or neighbor, or make it a family affair. And don’t forget your dog.

To help you get started, join the event coming up on Saturday, May 21. Walk 10,000 steps around to benefit C.H.O.I.C.E.S. (Center Helping Obesity in Children End Successfully). On-site registration begins at 8 a.m; the walk starts at 9 a.m.

To learn more, visit www.choicesforkids.org or visit the Kennesaw Parks and Recreation website link: http://www.kennesaw-ga.gov/component/content/article/92-events/412-lets-move-event-scheduled-for-swift-cantrell-park.     

This month’s biggest loser contest winner for the month of April is Dee Ellis. Congratulations Dee on your losing success. You won a produce basket from our contest sponsor, !

There are no fees to join our Community of Losers. Just e-mail me. As usual, I hope to see less of you soon.