Welcome to another Friday post! The weeks sure do fly by, don’t they?
Today I want to talk about exercise. Wait!! Don’t leave. Not hard exercise, just walking.
I recently had my yearly physical, where they draw blood and look at everything. My A1C was slightly out of range. Yikes! Diabetes runs in my family on both sides, so it’s something I’m acutely aware of.
I knew what I had to do. For the past two years, I slacked off on doing any kind of regular exercise and as a result, my body reacted to that. I had to get back into a regular routine of doing my favorite exercise, walking.
Thanks to my daughter, I own a treadmill. So, I have absolutely NO excuses for not walking for two years.
As curious minds will do, I started to wonder about the effectiveness of a treadmill vs. walking outdoors.
As I’ve mentioned before, I live in a huge metroplex. There is no nature trail nearby that would let me escape from the city noise. So, I am acutely aware of the constant drone of vehicles. A major freeway is a half-mile from where I live. I envy those who live in areas where they can walk in nature. There is a golf course across the street from me and a trail that goes under the freeway. I used to walk there until homeless people started camping under the overpass.
But, I digress. Verywellfit.com says this about walking outdoors. Walking outside comes with certain obstacles that make your body work harder, like wind resistance and pushing your own body to move forward, unlike a motorized treadmill that will keep you going with less effort on your part. When your body has to expend more energy, you burn more calories.
I will also add that, if you are walking outdoors, no matter far away you walk, you always have to walk back home, so there’s no quit, whereas, when you are on a treadmill, you can choose to stop at any time, perhaps shortening your walk.
You can also spot some interesting things on an outdoor walk. I saw this just yesterday. What a gorgeous sunrise!
Each time I walk by the wooded area, I always think it’s a great place to hide something. 🙂 And, I can see what’s showing at the movie theater. But the pair of abandoned shoes puzzled me. Did someone just take off their shoes and walk barefoot?
According to VeryWellFit.com, the advantages of walking on a treadmill are these. Using a treadmill for your regular workouts is a great way to train your walking muscles, practice your form, and achieve greater walking speed. If you opt for a treadmill, you can: Control your workout, Walk faster, Stay entertained and ignore the weather outside. So, it’s easier to stay consistent on a treadmill.
The benefit column seems a little heavier on the walking outdoors side as opposed to the treadmill, but they each have their benefits. One thing I didn’t mention about walking outdoors on concrete (which is what I have) can be hard on the joints. Whereas, a treadmill cushions the steps.
The bottom line: I think it doesn’t matter all that much where or how you walk, as long as you walk.
What say you?
Writing and Music 
Great reminders that we need to get off our tushes more. I agree, walking outside is more ambitious, and especially in fall, it’s the most beautiful time to get walking. 🙂 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true. The cool mornings make it easy to get outside. Thanks for visiting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
I agree with you, Jan. The key is just to move.
LikeLiked by 1 person
For sure, Mark. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Walking outdoors is nice, but I lost 33 pounds by walking indoors doing laps in my basement (I did increase from walking to jogging over a few months). As silly as that sounds, it worked for me and turned my health around. I’ve slacked off lately and need to start a dedicated routine again. Thanks for the reminder, Jan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is pure dedication, Mae. Walking in your basement is pretty amazing. I’m not sure I could do that. Jogging is definitely out for me. My old bones can’t take that kind of jarring. Hopefully, you’ll get back into walking at least every other day. It will help with everything! Thank you for visiting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have me curious about the shoes, Jan. Until my treadmill died, I walked an hour each day while reading on my Kindle. The time flew! It’s so important to keep moving.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, Jill. The shoes puzzled me, too. I just know there’s a story. 🙂 I like to read when on the treadmill, but sometimes, I get dizzy when I look down too long, so I have to keep looking up to stay steady. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post, Jan. I love to walk but do not do it as often as I should. You have inspired me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is wonderful to hear, Karen. Here’s to walking!
LikeLike
When I am mobile and pain-free I can walk for miles, and I go with my husband. We are lucky to live in the beautiful English countryside and there are endless places to walk – gardens, parks, and forests. Nothing like fresh air, trees, flowers, and birdsong to lift the spirits.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, how wonderful, Jane. I do hope those days you are mobile and pain-free are many and what blessing to have your hubby to walk with. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved the piece. Thank you! Have a fab weekend xx
LikeLike
Swimming exercises every muscle in your body. So, I put that one first and formost.Walking next. I think walking out doors beats treadmills everytime. Different sights,smells and people to meet. Have a great weekend everybody.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good point, Joy. I love that you get to enjoy swimming. I am not a good swimmer, although I wish I was. My grandchildren swim like little mermaids, and I love watching them. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
I believe walking is probably the best form of exercise along with swimming which is a whole body routine. And there are so many places you can go for a walk even in towns. Nothing beats the fresh air but I have a treadmill for really wet days here… a necessity really. But it is also something we can do all our lives even into our 80s and 90s. Terrific post Jan ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
I completely agree, Sally. It is a form of exercise we can do into our old age. I am not a good swimmer, so don’t really get that benefit, but I can definitely walk. I found a walking trail yesterday, not far from my house, that I will be taking advantage of! Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Does walking your dogs 3 times a day count?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely, Darlene! Love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do both, and I think either is beneficial. Sometimes I prefer being alone in nature, and at other times, I enjoy the social aspects of a gym where I can visit with other retired folks. (The mid-morning crowd at my gym is almost all retirees.) Either way, I do most of my best thinking when I’m walking and exercising.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a great point, Pete. I can work out difficult scenes from my WIP when I’m walking. It does give the brain fresh oxygen which boosts creativity! Thanks for stopping by. Kudos to you for keeping up an exercise routine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Movement, in any form, is good for the body and soul, in my belief. I enjoy walking outdoors. On occasion, I’ll listen to music to help stir the writing muse. Yet my husband will go to our nearby lodge and use the treadmill or stationary bike. We try and make Sunday our day to walk together outdoors. Enjoy your walks, Jan! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t agree more, Mary. If we don’t move, our bodies will get to the point they will refuse to move, and I never want that to happen! I love that you can walk with your hubby outdoors on Sundays. That’s a great way to reconnect and visit after a busy week. Thank you for stopping by!
LikeLike
I think as long as you have a regular routine it doesn’t matter. I exercise every day. One day on a real bike outside and the next on an elliptical machine in the gym. Wind, rain, or dead of night cannot be an excuse. Best wishes on your exercise program. Maybe treadmill one day, physical walk the next?
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great idea, John! I like that very much. That way, it doesn’t get monotonous. And you are absolutely right about no excuses! I have none! Thanks for the tip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think what matters is that you are finding ways to keep your body fit, whatever sport. That needs to be decided by the individual. We need fresh air but that is not always possible. You found a very good solution.
I love going outside for a walk, most of all from fall to spring (too hot in summer, and also I am having a garden to breathe fresh air). But I don’t have much time except on the weekends to go for a walk. So, I have a cross-trainer at home which I am using at least 5 days a week for 30 minutes, gym equipment with different training possibilities (I am doing one… hehe), and I am swinging my hula hoop every evening for 15 to 20 minutes 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are an inspiration, Erika! That’s a lot of movement and kudos to you! When I was a kid, I was great with the hula hoop. I hadn’t thought about that in years. I probably couldn’t do it at all in my old age, but what a fun way to exercise. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I bet you could. I don’t think we are much apart in age. And you know what, I was such a loser in hula hooping until a year ago. I never managed do keep that think on my hips. But now, I can do as long as I want it, wihout it falling down. It is fun indeed and it strengthens your back and abdominal muscles PLUS it narrows the waist. A cool thing to do whily you are watchin TV… hehe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jan–It’s great to hear that you’re on an exercise routine. I am fortunate because we have walking trails in our neighborhood. I often have “squirrel moments,” when I’m distracted by bumble bees alighting on wild flowers.
LikeLike
Oh, how wonderful, Linnea. It’s so great to have a chance to walk in nature and be distracted by its beauty! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment! Happy walking!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s Friday already? Wasn’t it just Friday a couple of days ago? Yikes.
Good for you for walking, Jan. It’s great exercise. I find my treadmill boring, so I’d much rather walk outside. I walk at least a 1/2 mile a day to my mailbox. Not enough, but something. Thanks for sharing some thoughts about both options. Staying active is critical to staying healthy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally relate to the speed at which the days are flying! It’s craziness! In my opinion, Diana, any movement counts, whether it’s a half mile or two. And I agree about walking outside, especially where you live. Thanks for visiting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLike
Outside for sure, but I haven’t got a treadmill and I can see it would be handy if it was a hurricane outside, I would listen to the radio while pounding on it. I have always lived somewhere with walking possibilities, though not always wonderful countryside. Now I am near the coast and a river it’s even better. I don’t drive so I walk everywhere and use buses – which leads me to say you don’t always have to walk back if you end up near a bus stop! Most of my walks are to get somewhere like my groups and classes or just to meet friends for coffee and cake!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a great way to stay healthy, Janet. I had to laugh at the bus comment. That’s not an option for me, so I have to talk back, no matter how far away I wander. 🙂 Thank you so much for chiming in. Would like to go walking with you. You had me at coffee and cake!
LikeLike
I like to be able to get outdoors when I can. Never know when you will run across something like those shoes to spark a story idea. But I think any moving is good and like you getting back into a much needed routine.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Me too, Denise! I wish I had a walking buddy, but there is something nice about the silence, too (except for the constant drone of cars). I would love to take a walk on your Magical Trail! I know it would be so rejuvenating! Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is the time of year when I actually want to take walks. Otherwise, I’m lazy!! lol But I’m fortunate to live in the country of a small town. So I can walk around my home or neighborhood, or I can take a quick 10-15 minute drive and find multiple hiking trails. Nature does offer the best scenery. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nature definitely offers the best scenery for sure, Mar. How fortunate to have hiking trails nearby. Take advantage of the season! Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love to walk and love how it makes me feel. The breeze on my face, the fresh scent of the outdoors, the challenge to keep up with other walkers. There’s almost someone out so I challenge myself to walk faster. I got in big trouble about five years ago when I got dangerous blood clots in my left leg. And since I do have diabetes, I have to do this. I wish we lived closer where we could walk together. Keep up the good work, sister!
LikeLiked by 2 people
That would be fun to get to walk together, sister. That’s funny that you challenge yourself to walk faster than other walkers. 🙂 Not competitive or anything. I’m glad you do take the time to walk. It’s so good for the body. Thank you for stopping by today! Love you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me? Competitive? No way. LOL It’s getting cooler here so I’m able to go out earlier and not walk just at night. Yay fall!
LikeLike
Walking is great exercise. Thanks for the reminder, Jan. I try to walk every day. It was easier when I had a dog reminding me to get ready (at 7:07) to leave (at 7:15) but I generally force myself out the door. You mentioned finding interesting things while walking. I think at least 50% of the photos I share come from my daily walk.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Having a dog that loves to walk is a great motivator. I live in an apartment complex on the fourth floor. Not conducive to having an animal. I love the photos you share from your walks, Dan. You are right about finding interesting things. The pair of shoes surprised me. It’s not uncommon to see one, but a pair, side-by-side. Looks like someone just slipped them off and kept going. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Walking is great. I used to use my lunchtimes for that, but the office moved and there was no place to go.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, the city. Yep. I relate. Too bad because it would make for a nice break in the middle of the work day. Thanks for leaving a comment, Craig.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I prefer walking outdoors, but treadmills are nice when there is inclement weather. I love being around nature, and I’m lucky to live in such an area. But as you say, the bottom line is to walk!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are very lucky to get to live where you can walk in nature. I envy that. And yes, the treadmill is great for bad weather. Thanks for chiming in, Joan!
LikeLiked by 1 person