What comes to mind when you think of recreation? Maybe you see yourself laughing, relaxing, spending time with friends and family. So it doesn't seem likely that exercise (often a dreaded word) could be fun. Walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise. And with a little imagination, walking can be something you actually… dare we say… enjoy. It's all in how you view it.
Going Outside to EatWhen was the last time you thought about having a picnic? At first, it seems like a leisure activity that involves eating, resting, and enjoying the outdoors. Yet with just a slight tweak in your plans, a picnic becomes a fun way to walk.
Plan an outdoor lunch along a hiking trail or at a park with walking paths. Build up your appetite with a walk to your lunch site. Then, work off your meal on the walk back. The scenic strolls will remind you of the beauty of nature. And you'll enjoy the conversation with family and friends.
The Joys of ShoppingA trip to the mall, craft fair, or swap meet might burn a hole in your wallet, but it's sure to burn calories as well. When you're shopping, it's easy to lose sight of the fact you're getting in a lot of walking time. Spend a couple hours making your way through the shopping center or booths. After you decide on items to purchase, make a last trip through to pick them up.
"Edutainment"With the click of a computer key, we can read about an animal, history topic, or piece of art. But nothing will ever replace the fun of viewing things up close. For a day of first-hand education and exercise, visit a zoo or a museum.
Spending the day looking at animals is an adventure for you and friends or family. If the weather is bad, head for an art or history museum. Walking around the exhibits will stimulate your mind while providing hidden exercise. The hours of educational enjoyment won't even feel like fitness.
Walking GamesThese days "games" are high-tech joysticks that kids use to play in front of the TV. The only physical need is the speed of the player's thumb. Long before video, games were activities the whole family or a group of friends could play. Often these games involved some form of physical movement.
Modernize your favorite old-time games. This is a great idea if you're looking for something to do with your kids, grandchildren, or neighbors. Here are a couple ideas for walking games to get you started:
- Hold walking races at the local track. Come up with some prizes if kids are involved.
- Set up walking "hunts." Identify objects during your walk—from a specific state license plate to the color of a flower to a billboard ad.
Remember, walking is a simple, inexpensive activity anyone can do. It requires nothing more than a pair of good walking shoes and an open mind. You'll find walking gives you all the benefits of other forms of recreation. It's easy and enjoyable, while keeping you healthy and fit.
So instead of taking your shoes off to relax, put them on. Go for a walk to turn your exercise into fun.
AARP's Physical Activity ProgramsStep Up to Better Health
This inspiring program helps you increase the number of steps you take each day, no matter how active you are now. Each day, clip on a small counter that records every step you take. Then log your step totals online to track your progress along famous American routes—Lewis & Clark Trail, Alaska Military Highway, Appalachian Trail, or Highway 50.
Get Fit on Route 66
This is a fun, nostalgic trip down America's most famous highway—The Mother Road, Main Street of America—from the shores of Lake Michigan to the California coast. Choose from 66 activities—including walking. Your exercise minutes are converted to miles along the highway. Visit our Route 66 Diner for recipes or try the Backseat Driver feature where friends can opt in to see each other's progress.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life over 50 gets better and better! Find out how at the Living at Its Best! group, presented by AARP. To join the discussion group on your 50-plus lifestyle click here.
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 7
I'm 50 and was having a lot of health problems. Last summer, I spent a total of three weeks with my legs wrapped up tight to try to get some of the swelling down. My doctor said "walk, walk," but I would walk and feel the pain in my legs so wouldn't walk very long. It happened that I fell in love with my friend's horse and decided to get one for myself. I spent 800 dollars on a little guy that didn't look like much, but I knew he was a winner. I couldn't just jump on and ride, though. For one thing, he had terrible hooves and I just couldn't do that to him. For another, I feel like a horse is like a lover. You don't meet someone and hop on, expecting them to make love with you right off (well, some people do, but not me.) So, I wanted to build a relationship with my boy before we moved into much riding. Also, I didn't know how much training he had, even though I knew they had ridden him a lot. So, I decided to start with teaching him "join up." I won't go into details cause you can look it up online and it would bore you if I explained here. But, I will tell you that to teach my horse to come to me involved a lot of walking and running to "head him off at the pass." Well, in a couple of weeks, we had join up down and it was time to practice walking him on lead so that he would be easy to handle. So, off me and my friend went with our horses, walking about a mile to 2 miles at a time. Before I got Skeeter, I could run no more than 5 steps and then, I'd be huffing and puffing for about 10 minutes, pretty sure I was going to die. And, I hurt all the time. After I had my boy for about 3 months, I was working with teaching him to trot with voice commands and we took off running down the road. I probably ran 1/4 of a mile before I stopped him. I huffed a few times and recovered really quickly. But, I realized as I was scratching his ears that my legs were strong and I didn't hurt. Then, over the next few days, I paid attention. I hadn't really lost much weight, 10 pounds, but I felt fabulous. My legs weren't swelling any more and I found I could run that 1/4 several times a day. I was amazed. I had never, during that whole three months, thought I was exercising. I was playing with or working with my horse and that was FUN! I tell people now that if they have a childhood dream, they should go for it, especially if it includes action. Don't think you are too old just cause you've been sedentary and feel old. If it's fun, you won't even notice all the exercise you are getting. The ideas in this article are WONDERFUL. I hope they inspire other people. But, also, don't forget to examine your dreams, old and new, and see if there's something in there that you really would like to do.
I would like to say sorry for taking a while to get to your article. I have been away from gather for a while and I am finally getting to the 3000 plus emails I have awaiting me on here to go through. so I am starting from the most recent received to the first I ever received.... So now I am finally able to read your piece. Thank you for sending me the link to this article.
Now second thing:
Wait Exercise can be fun.... are you joking hahahah just kidding actually thanks for this artcile... I am actually hoping to get back into working out when I return back to school.