It seems fitting that our last month's theme is Walk the Mile You're In. Why? Because we often spend time either looking backward at where we've been (sometimes with an eye towards what we wish we could change) or looking forward to where we hope we will be.
Put on Your Walking Shoes and Follow Your Curiosity
There’s a great quote that goes something like this, “My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty. She's ninety-seven now, and we don't know where she is.”
I envy that grandmother. In my head, she’s not lost at all but out there following her whimsy and going down a new path when the desire and curiosity strike. Walking is a powerful way to tap into curiosity, which is why it’s the August theme. Let’s dive into what it means to follow your curiosity (and permit ourselves to get a little lost along the way!)
9 Science-Backed Benefits of Walking in Nature for Your Mind and Body
Have you ever wondered why a walk in the woods feels so good for your mind, your mood and your body? Let’s dive into 9 benefits of getting your walk on in the great outdoors, all backed by science.
5 Fun Ways to Level Up Your Walking Practice
A regular walking practice can transform your mind, mood and body. Truly, you don’t have to do more than lace up your sneakers and walk out your door. But if you want a little bit more bang for your walking buck, here are five ways to level up your next walk. And the one after that ... And the one after that.
7 Essential Tips To Keep You Safe While Walking
Hey there, fellow walkers! Whether you're strolling through the park, power-walking to get those miles in, or just taking a leisurely after-dinner walk, all walking is good walking. But, as with any activity, it's important to keep safety in mind. Here are some simple but essential tips to help keep you safe.
Embracing Your Inner Wander Woman
In a world that often ties us down with routines and expectations, the idea of embracing your inner Wander Woman offers an empowering alternative. But what does it mean to be a wander woman? It’s more than just a love for travel; it’s a lifestyle, a mindset, and a way of embracing life with open arms.
Benefits of an Evening Walk
In our house, most evenings go like this: Dinner is eaten, dishes are washed, the kitchen is cleaned, coffee is set up to brew in the morning, and I head straight to bed with a book or a television show.
This is not ideal. Not at all ideal.
Take the Next Step: THE Key To Your Goals
Have you ever been stuck in that weird limbo where you know you have goals, dreams, and ambitions but can't seem to get there? We've all been there. It's like standing at the edge of a diving board, peering down at the water below. It looks exhilarating, but oh boy, does it seem a bit scary!
Here’s the thing: that next step is everything. It doesn’t matter if it’s a tiny shuffle or a giant leap. What matters is that you move forward. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress. And often, it's those baby steps that lead to the biggest changes.
9 Fun Activities That Double as Exercise
Exercise doesn’t have to be boring or hard. And it definitely shouldn’t be something you dread. Incorporating fun into your fitness routine makes staying healthy feel less of a chore and more of a joy. So put on your favorite playlist, gather some friends, and make fitness fun! Here are 9 ways fun activities that double as exercise:
Fitness Through Fun: Make Play Your Workout
Whenever someone tells me they “hate exercise,” I always ask … have you tried everything? Have you tried dancing and swimming and playgrounds and gardening and hoola hooping and pickleball and walking and running and bike riding and …
5 Reasons Summer is the Best Time to Amp Up Your Walking Game!
Ready to soak up some summer vibes and take your walking game to the next level? Here's why this season is prime for getting serious about putting one foot in front of the other:
Nature's Calling: Picture this: lush greenery, colorful flowers, and chirping birds all around. Yep, summer turns Mother Nature into a total show-off, and we're here for it …
The Benefits of a No-Rules Day: Freedom in Flexibility
Every once in a while, when my kids were young, I would declare a no-rules day. Typically, they came when I was at the end of my rope feeling like the food/shower/pickupyourtoys’ police. On a no-rules day, it was okay to stay in your PJs, eat when you wanted, and leave your toys where they landed.
Those days with my kids made me realize how much I needed the occasional no-rules day, too. A day not governed by my to-do list or my typically packed calendar. A day to work on whatever project felt most interesting, I nap when I’m tired and look at the clock as rarely as possible. Days dedicated to stepping away from rigid schedules and embracing spontaneity, creativity, and relaxation.
I discovered that a no-rules day could be great for my mental health, creativity, and overall well-being. Here’s why.
Momentum Before Motivation: Why Action Precedes Inspiration
We often hear about the power of motivation—the alleged invisible force that we need to propel us to take action, achieve goals, and become the best versions of ourselves. It's easy to fall into the trap of believing that motivation will strike like a bolt of lightning, delivering us unstoppable drive. However, anyone who's waited for this magical surge of motivation knows how elusive it can be. And here's the surprising truth: momentum often comes before motivation.
3 Ways Your Daily Walk is Helping the Earth
You already know that walking is good for you in a whole host of ways, from your physical well-being to your mental health and beyond. But have you ever considered the ways that walking is good for the environment? In honor of Earth Day, here are three ways our Earth says "thank you" when you choose to walk instead of drive.
Pack Members Favorite Core Values ... and Why
99 Walks has lots of Core Values. 99 of them to be exact! In celebration of 99 Walks Day, we asked Pack Members to share their favorite core value and why that Core Value – out of all the others – resonates most deeply. Here’s what you told us.
Sing in the Shower: A Metaphor for Embracing Life's Joys
Hey there, fellow shower singers! This month, we are going to dive into one of life’s simplest pleasures: belting out your favorite tunes under the shower-head or raindrops. Yep, you heard me right! Singing in the shower is not just about letting loose (though that’s definitely part of the fun); it is a metaphor for embracing life in all its glorious moments, whether the sun is shining or the clouds are pouring.
The Benefits of Adding Marching Intervals To Your Walking Practice
Around here, we know that walking delivers incredible benefits for our physical and mental well-being. And there are many different styles of walking, each of which can confer special benefits. Marching, with its purposeful, rhythmic stride, offers a unique set of advantages that extend beyond merely getting from here to there.
Mastering the Leash: A Guide to Training Puppies and Older Dogs
Pretty much anyone with a canine companion knows that face. That “let’s go face”! That “please, please, please take me out” face. It’s no wonder that research shows that people with dogs walk an average of more than two hours each week than people without. Unfortunately, not all dogs are great leash walkers. Few trot neatly at your side, at your pace and many pull in the direction of every random smell that crosses their highly sensitive noses. But with a bit of know-how and a sprinkle of patience, well-behaved leash walking is a skill that can be taught, and once your dog learns to walk calmly at your side, oh the places you can go!
Why an After-Dinner Stroll May be The Secret to Wellness, Happiness, and Better Blood Sugar
Hooray! The days are getting longer—much longer. And these longer days present the perfect opportunity for us to create an after-dinner walk routine. While walking any time is great for you—remember, all walking is good walking, and every mile matters—there are some unique benefits to an after-dinner stroll that can make it a game changer.
Step Comfortably: A Guide to Choosing the Best Walking Shoes for Women Over 50
As women gracefully enter their 50s and beyond, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle becomes increasingly important. Regular walking is an excellent way to stay fit, improve cardiovascular health, and boost overall well-being, and the right walking shoes are crucial for ensuring comfort, support, and injury prevention. In this guide, we'll explore key factors to consider when choosing the best walking shoes for women over 50.