Spring is the loveliest season to walk outside.
Our world is renewed.
Taking a walk gives us a chance to experience it in its full glory.
Here is some tools to get you started
on your walking/running routine.
Part of the Makeovers Life Fitness program is having a
walking/running routine.
walking/running routine.
Walking and eventually running is a
healthy way to keep your body strong
healthy way to keep your body strong
and your spirit in balance.
Walking/running outside is the best.
We are not just doing this to get cardiovascular exercise.
We are doing this routine to get a lot of
fresh air and to be outside in nature.
fresh air and to be outside in nature.
Doing meditation exercises like
the Observation Exercises on plants and animals in the meditation part of the Makeoverslife program adds dimension to your workout.
the Observation Exercises on plants and animals in the meditation part of the Makeoverslife program adds dimension to your workout.
Being outside is one of the most important aspects
in having a balanced life.
It connects your spirit and your body
to the planet like nothing else can.
As soon as you step foot outside your door and are ready to begin your route, take a deep breath of fresh air.
Hold it for a moment and release your breath very slowly.
Repeat your deep breathing with every step.
Place your attention on your breathing
throughout your walk.
An important reason why we need to be
outside everyday is sunlight.
The sun plays an important role in how our bodies function.
Getting plenty of sunlight is important in maintaining good health and having a strong immune system.
Sunlight kills a lot of bacteria in our bodies.
Working out indoors like in a gym or in your house is not the same thing as being outside.
Even when the weather is not so good,
youmay put on several layers of clothes and
still go on your route.
The first step to establish this type
of routine is to set a few routes.
Get in your car and use your speedometer
to see which areas in your
neighborhood you want to walk/run.
Also, do the same thing around
the neighborhood where you work.
the neighborhood where you work.
You can take your walk/run on
your lunch break or whenever you have some free time.
your lunch break or whenever you have some free time.
Another choice is to run/walk in a
different neighborhood other than your own.
Go on a car ride around areas in your city
and find some beautiful neighborhoods with
beautiful homes and scenery.
If you live near water like a lake or ocean,
you may mark a route there.
Depending on what you like to look at during your
route may determine where you set up your routes.
Just make sure you know how long your route is.
That is the most important thing.
Start by setting up just one or two routes.
Don’t try too many in the beginning.
As time passes, you may set up more.
If you’ve never had a walking routine,
set your first route to ¼ mile
or to ½ a mile depending on your ability.
On the other hand, if you’ve walked or ran in the past,
you may set your route for 1 or 2 miles.
Any more than 2 miles and it gets to be too much.
The next important aspect of the
walking/running routine is your gear.
During warm weather months:
1. Good pair of running shoes.
2. Sports bra with good support for the ladies.
3. Several pairs of shorts.
4. Tank tops or t-shirts, preferably cotton so skin can breathe
when you sweat.
5. Several pairs of cotton socks.
During cold weather months: layer clothes to stay warm.
1. Pair of cotton leggings to wear under sweatpants.
2. Pair of sweat pants.
3. Sports bra with good support for the ladies.
4. Cotton t-shirt.
5. Light sweater or thin zip up sweatshirt. (regular sweatshirts
are too bulky and weigh you down)
6. Zip up jacket that’s not too bulky and has a hood on it.
7. Thin scarf made of natural material
like cotton, merino wool,or cashmere.
8. Gloves.
9. Cotton socks.
10. Good pair of running shoes.
11. Hat to cover ears.
• Fanny pack to hold your cell phone and music device.
• Cell phone.
• Music- I pod, CD player.
• Cell phone.
• Music- I pod, CD player.
Music is an important part of the walking/running routine. Take your musical device when you go.
Use it for part of your route.
The other part, don’t use it
and practice your meditation exercises.
Look around you and notice the scenery.
Look at all the different plants.
Feast your eyes on the hundreds of shades of green.
Look at all the pretty homes with their landscapes.
Pay attention to the details of your environment.
Clear your mind and be present in the moment.
Let all your thoughts come and go like
Let all your thoughts come and go like
cars on the highway and attach
no emotion to any one of them.
no emotion to any one of them.
Create peace in your mind and give
yourself a break from your daily activities and the ‘to do’ lists.
yourself a break from your daily activities and the ‘to do’ lists.
Walk your route for three weeks every day
before you start running.
Walking every day sets your body in motion
and forms a habit that
will get you in good shape for the
will get you in good shape for the
running portion of the program.
Once you start running, do it slowly.
Run maybe three or four times
during your route at a slow pace for short distances.
during your route at a slow pace for short distances.
Just enough to train yourself to get moving at a higher pace. As your body builds strength,
it will let you know how much it can handle.
Don’t ever push it. It’s not worth it.
Once you add running to your route,
only run three days a week every other day.
You may still walk every day, but only run every other day.
It gives your body time to build muscle and prevent injury.
If you have not had a regular fitness routine
in many years, make sure you consult your doctor before you start the Makeoverslife Fitness section of the program.
Being outside in the fresh air no matter what
the weather is like is one of the
greatest treasures you can give yourself.
Make it a part of your routine and begin to feel empowered that you are living a balanced life.
