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.
Ummm, hello? Your body here. Can you please, please take me for a walk?
Signs are everywhere, and the ones your mind, mood and body send often tell you what you need if you just stop and listen. We surveyed the 99 Walks Pack and discovered nine common messages that just might mean it’s time to lace up your sneakers and head out for a walk.
A few years ago, my family and I visited Maine. We ate a ton of lobster (even kissed a few), hiked breathtaking trails in Acadia National Park, took a boat tour to check out the sea life, and crept through the woods in hopes of finding a moose. And though our adventures were incredible, and we saw ten moose out in the wild, my absolute favorite highlight of the trip was the time I sat on the rocky shore staring out at the wide expanse of the ocean before me. It was at that moment when I was quiet with my thoughts. It gave me the chance to sink into the feeling of gratitude that surrounded me, both in my life and the beauty of nature. It was my chance to find quiet gratitude.
Tired of walking around your neighborhood? Check out these nine places you can take your walking shoes and crush your miles while embracing the fun of Fall.
Wondering why you’re up in the middle of the night, your pants fit a bit more snug, and you're snapping a little more frequently at your loved ones? It just might be menopause. Though symptoms may vary, perimenopause (the first stage, which often starts in the 40s and can last 8-10 years) and menopause can bring on changes and challenges that may have you scratching your head and wondering how you’re going to get through the day, not to mention years. One thing that is proven to help, though, is walking. And here are nine reasons why.
Life is busy. With work, a couple of kids, maintaining a home, volunteer activities, and trying to keep up with all the things, it’s not easy to find time for myself. But I know that, for myself, my family and all the people I encounter throughout my day, taking care of my mental health is a must. What’s my go-to for self-care? Lacing up my tennies and taking a walk. Walking is the reason dinner makes it on the table, the laundry gets done, and the kids make it to their practices on time. Because walking is more than an excellent form of exercise. It’s a chance for me to clear my mind, relax my shoulders, and recharge. Here’s why.
Here's a question: when did we become convinced that more is always better? That being busy is a badge of honor? That getting eight hours of sleep is optional and four will do the trick? That more money equals more happiness?
Much like walking, podcasts can serve many purposes. They can offer you laughter at a time when life seems too heavy, or guidance when your mind is racing with questions. They can offer inspiration when you need some extra encouragement, or entertainment when you need to disconnect. And they can even offer serenity for when you need to remember to breathe. We’re big believers in the power of podcasts here at 99 Walks, and in honor of International Podcast Day, we thought we’d share with you a list of our favorites and why we love them.
In September 2020, Yvonne Deel had a realization. She was tired of being tired. A common result of the pandemic, she found herself spending her days just sitting around. It was a habit she knew she needed to change, so she took to her computer, started researching her options, and found her answer in 99 Walks.
From the first day she donned her dance shoes at the tender age of five, Coach Jenny hasn’t stopped moving. Progressing from ballet shoes and leotards to tennies and tanks, she has taken her love of movement, combined with her spunky, fun-loving personality, to bring a unique energy to the 99 Walks pack. A true believer in humor and silliness, she’ll have you jabbing (her personal favorite!), lunging and challenging yourself in new ways throughout your walking classes.
You have probably discovered the way walking helps clear your mind and lower your stress. And perhaps you’ve noticed how walking improves your mood and boosts your productivity and creativity. Yes, walking has plenty of mental health benefits, but what do you do if you’re looking to improve your fitness? You guessed it. Go for a walk.
We’ve all felt it. Those glutes that make themselves known every time we try to sit down after a hill walk. The ache in our shins after a trek on the neighborhood sidewalks. The pain in our feet from ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes, or perhaps an extra-long excursion. The hips, the knees, the joints that twinge at every turn. There’s no doubt that pain can creep in unexpectedly, but knowing the difference between pain and soreness, and what to do about it when it occurs, is key. So we consulted Dr. Ken Redcross, a board-certified internal medicine physician in New York, for some tips to understanding pain, knowing your limits, and when you can safely walk through that pain.
Just in time for a new season full of cooler breezes, changing colors, and flavorful spices, we’re refreshing our walking classes to keep you moving and meet you where you are during the upcoming Fall and Winter months. In your 99 Walks app, you’ll find your tried and true blend of fitness, motivational, and inspirational classes led by coaches who will encourage you every step of the way. Not only will you find the support and guidance you need to amp up your fitness, you’ll also feel encouraged and celebrate your journey with our unique mindset classes.
“What do I do first?”
“Is now the best time to start something new?”
“What if I’m not able to keep it up?”
“What should my goal be?”
“Wait, am I doing the right thing? The right way?”
“How do I find motivation!?”
As a middle school principal in northern California, Deanne Andrade-Freitas, age 49, was looking for a way to reduce the stress that comes with overseeing a thousand students, so she did what any educator would do—she turned to research. What she found told her that in order to stay out of the toxic range of stress, she needed to find something to do outside, that involved getting the body moving, and was something she looked forward to. Her answer...walking.
99 Walks Core Value #52 reminds us that “It’s never too late for a new start, new adventure or new life,” and it holds invaluable meaning for our own Coach Carrie. 12 years ago, leading an active lifestyle was not even on her radar. Sure, she had a seemingly happy life with a career in hospitality, a home, family and friends, but she found that something was still missing—an outlet for self care.
If you ask my 15-year-old son what family activity he’d like to do, his answer will often be “go on a hike.” He’s usually at the head of our pack, his long legs propelling him across whatever terrain he meets without much of a thought while the rest of us follow his lead. For him, hiking is a way of connecting with those around him, and a way for him to take the time he needs to take a step away from the constant activity and boisterous actions of the rest of the crew—like his talkative mama and pesky little brother.
Most of us have heard that walking can help combat depression and boost our mood, and it can improve our decision making ability and fuel our creativity. But there’s one last piece of the puzzle and that is this: what walking with other people can do for you.
Walking is one of the most fun, natural, and safe ways of exercising. And every step you take is one step closer to a healthier lifestyle. But in order to keep moving, you must take good care of your feet. Here's what you need to know to keep them healthy and what you can do to soothe pain and soreness after a walk.
When I was young, I asked a lot of questions, most of them starting with the word “why?” Why do I have to clean my room as long as I keep my door closed? Why do I have to spell words the “right” way as long as anyone reading it understands what I am communicating? Why, oh why, is the sky blue? These were not rhetorical questions. I wasn’t just putting them out into the world -- I wanted answers. And if the answer didn’t make sense, or I didn’t understand, I asked a different question. Usually starting with “but why?”
You can't deny it. Popsicles make people happy. That first sweet taste on your tongue may make you feel like a kid again. It may be just the thing to remind you about the importance of play and creativity. It may be the reminder to relax and savor the moment. It may even cool you off after a nice walk in the summer sun. But one thing is for sure, it will bring a smile to your face.
So as you journey toward happy and walk on sunshine, take a moment to savor the sweetness of life with a yummy popsicle. Just don't forget to share, because as you know, everything is better together.
