If you’re looking for a simple and accessible way to improve your overall well-being, the answer may be as straightforward as taking a walk. In fact, there are many symptoms you might have experienced that can be alleviated with commitment to a regular walking practice. In this article, you’ll learn how nine common symptoms can be made better with walking.
I woke up my sophomore year of college to discover two seemingly unrelated issues. First, I had gained not just the freshman fifteen, but more like the freshman thirty, and I’m barely 5’3”. I blame dorm food and a steady stream of 11:00 p.m. pizza runs. Second, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life or even who I really was. I felt like I was constantly in reaction mode, and between classes, homework, and living with dozens of people on the 8th floor of Denton 8 (my dorm), well, the picture wasn’t pretty.
A long staple of military training, in its most basic form, rucking is simply walking with a loaded pack. The term comes from “rucksack,” the durable pack the military uses to carry equipment. Recent research has confirmed what our military has long known: rucking is a powerful form of fitness, whatever your mission.
Highly versatile, the weight you carry can vary based on your fitness level and training goals, and the right pack makes it easy to increase the weight as you get stronger. And get stronger you will, along with a host of other benefits that make rucking something we should all add to our walking practice.
If rising temperatures have you sweating about how to keep up with your walking practice, find relief with nine tips to keep you cool and crush your miles.
It is said that variety is the spice of life, a lesson you should consider applying to your walking style. Varying your routine helps to keep you from getting bored and presents the opportunity to challenge your body in new ways that can lead to stronger muscles and a healthier you. Here are nine ways you can switch things up and add a little spice to your walking workout.
We know that intentional walking is a powerful practice that can transform your mind, your mood and your body. Around here, we strive to help you bring that practice into your life, and keep it there, because we want you to live the happiest, healthiest and most fulfilling life you can.
Having spent her life most often in motion, 99 Walks Pack Member Winter Avalon has continued this lifestyle not only on the road, but also on her feet, and her heart is thanking her. Not only is walking like breathing for her, but Winter also is not hesitant to tell others about the magic of walking and how it has, without a doubt, saved her life.
There’s something that happens when you take a walk. Your burdens feel lighter. Your mind becomes clearer. Your breath grows deeper, and your body just feels better. And, while you are at it, your heart grows stronger, your stress lessens, your brain grows bigger and your life gets longer. With the power of small steps forward, you’ll discover the transformation of your mind, mood and body. It’s why we say walking is magic.
I am a creature of habit who typically walks the same trail day after day: A two-and-a-half mile path on a dirt road starting at the rear of a tiny 9-hole golf course and ending at a sandy bay beach. Yet despite the fact that I’m often walking the same trail, I actually take four very different kinds of walks, each of which feeds and fuels me in a unique way. Many days, I’m able to recognize which kind of walk I need and plan accordingly. Here are my four kinds of walks.
It’s the most common form of heel pain, often referred to as an overuse injury, and it can make heading out for your walk uncomfortable, and prevent you from being as active as you’d like. This all-too-common pain is called plantar fasciitis, so what can we do about it? We talked to Andrew Warner, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) at Village Podiatry Group llc for some helpful tips for prevention and treatment.
Sometimes, the world can be very heavy.
Sometimes, we can be too serious.
Sometimes, we can worry about what other people think.
Sometimes, we can forget that play is mission critical.
But, let’s not forget that...
Sometimes, laughter is exactly what we need.
Sometimes, we can’t worry what other people think.
Sometimes, we need to remember that it is okay to be silly, playful and joyful.
Shapa understands that your health isn’t defined by a number. It’s natural for our weight to fluctuate—you drank too much water, maybe it’s that time of the month, or you’ve been hitting the gym hard—and the number can be off. It can be so demotivating and leave you feeling like you aren’t making any progress.
When life handed her obstacles that felt insurmountable, Pack Member Connie Ward, age 48, turned to walking as a way to fight back and regain the life she desired. What she found was a braveness and strength she didn’t know was within her that would help her not only recover, but also thrive both physically and mentally.
We get it. Going out with babies and toddlers is hard. Their moods are unpredictable, and you’re exhausted from running around just trying to keep them fed, happy and safe. Not to mention all the other demands that come with family life. But now, more than ever, is the time to carve out a few minutes for yourself. And, no, you don’t need to find a babysitter to make it happen. Just grab the stroller, some snacks and toys for the little one, lace up your sneakers and set out for a stroller walking class.
Today’s the day. Goal Check Day. It’s a new 99 Walks tradition, and the day we encourage you to take an honest look at the goal you set 10 days ago. It’s a day we hope you’ll reflect on that goal and determine if it’s the right goal for you. For this month. And if you set the wrong goal for yourself, today is the day to change it.
I start new projects with a lot of enthusiasm. I am always the person in the room jumping up and down with excitement at the chance to learn something new or tackle a new project. More often than not, they are my ideas.
Let’s renovate the bathroom.
Let’s learn to ski.
Let’s plan a picnic, write a book or put on a show.
Let’s start a company.
Over the years, I’ve learned to tamp down my enthusiasm and my excitement. Why? Two reasons really. First, I’ve been burned before. Second, I’ve started so, so many projects that haven’t worked out as planned.
It’s okay to admit it. We all start out a little hesitant when it comes to trying new things. Perhaps you think it’s not right for you. It will never work. Or you may even think it’s just downright silly. We get it. When you first hear someone suggest house walking, you may have raised eyebrows and a questioning expression. Since we totally know what you’re thinking—because we’ve been there, too—we thought we’d walk you through the nine stages of house walking. From the “what in the world?” to “you can’t stop me now!”
A new member of your 99 Walks HQ team, Fitness Director Natalie Doornink has jumped in with both feet and truly embraced the 99 Walks community, likely because the values were already a part of her. Today, we’re taking a moment to get to know Natalie, what set her fitness career running, and why she is passionate about making honest connections. Fueling us each day with a “can do” spirit and an energy that makes us all want to lace up our sneakers and head out for a walk, Natalie will remind you of a dear friend always cheering you on.
This February, in honor of Black History Month, we are sharing with you 28 quotes. Quotes meant to inspire. Quotes meant to motivate. And quotes meant to remind us how Black women have done so much for our community. Our country. Our world.
Valentine’s Day, the day you take a moment to show those in your life how much you love them, is just a few days away. Whether you’re celebrating with a significant other, new or old friends, or maybe even just taking some time for self love, we hope the following tools will help inspire you to share the love. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Welcome to 99 Walks! I am Joyce, co-founder, CEO, and “Pack Leader.” As a woman, mother, daughter of a coach, and a self-confessed idea junkie, I am wildly dedicated to empowering women through community, connection and walking. We are a young company on a mighty mission to get a million women walking.
Our history is made up of women who have pushed the boundaries, taken that first step, and truly initiated change not only in our country, but also throughout the world. In honor of Black History Month, we recognize nine inspirational Black women who have inspired us and made an imprint on our hearts.
You hear the wind whistling outside, but you grab your shoes anyway. You stifle a yawn, but still you pull on your coat. Your way too long to-do list is calling your name, but you turn from it and walk toward the door.
Today, you put yourself first and let the strength that you have inside you propel you forward, guiding you toward that commitment you’ve made to yourself. With that first step, you show you are strong. And with each one that follows, you become stronger. Add with the support of family, friends and a like-minded community, you become stronger still.
What you do today makes you strong. And what you do tomorrow makes you stronger.
We’ve all experienced those days. You know, when getting out of bed and starting the day seems too hard. When things you normally enjoy doing bring you little interest. And when you just seem too tired to really do anything at all. Normally brought on during the late Fall and into the Winter months, it’s not uncommon to experience symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, better known as SAD. But though these feelings may sneak in from time to time, taking a walk just might be the solution for getting you past them and feeling more yourself again.
Sure, we’ve got 99 Core Values. Yup, we celebrate our Pack Members’ 99th walk. And, okay, we once read that spotting the number 99 means it is time to get to work on your life’s purpose and mission. So why are we called 99 Walks? Well, that’s a bit more complicated … and a bit simpler.
