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Choosing to Reset

Why I Chose Walking

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Karen

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Why I Chose Walking

Well hello there.

Back in August of 2023 when I got serious about getting on track with my health I thought a lot about what I would do as exercise. Because I live in the country and it is 35 minutes one way to the nearest gym it is not very likely that I would stick with going to the gym even a few times a week. I had used some exercise dvds in the past but I’ll be honest. I don’t enjoy them.

What I do enjoy is being outside so the exercise that seemed to suit me best was walking.

August 2023

I was seriously out of shape when I started and just walking 15 minutes of brisk walking was enough to make me to be out of breath. It was embarrassing and a real wake up call for me.

I started looking into walking.

How far should I go?

How fast and for how long?

After doing tons of reading research on walking I decided that for me, getting my heart rate up to 80% of my target rate for 1/2 the time I walk was the best plan for me. I gradually have increased the length of time I walk to an hour. You can calculate your target heart rate HERE. When I walk at 80%!of my target rate for 30 minutes I walk about 2 1/2 miles.

There are so many benefits to walking outside of the weight loss that occurred.

This article from Prevention Magazine outlines the benefits of walking but here are some of my favorite.

  • Improved mood
  • A stronger heart
  • Less risk of chronic disease
  • Less stress
  • Better sleep
  • Boost in brainpower
  • Lessens joint pain

I hope you have a great day!

Karen

17 responses to “Why I Chose Walking”

  1. Linda Coulter Avatar
    Linda Coulter

    Congratulations on your new blog! Walking has made such a wonderful difference in your life in less than a year. I applaud your discipline, and thank you for being an inspiration!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    if I walked 2.5 miles in 30 minutes I’d be running! That’s like 12 minute miles! Wow! You go!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Karen Avatar
      Karen

      I walk for an hour, 30 minutes of it is at 80% of my target heart rate. Sorry if I confused you.

      Like

      Reply
  3. Pam Avatar
    Pam

    I’m following to keep myself motivated and inspired. I fully retired 6 months ago. I walk every day no matter the weather. I usually walk 1.5 miles 3-4x a day. I also go to the gym, I take a deep water arthritis class 3x a week, along with chair yoga. I haven’t seen the physical results yet, however my stamina and mood has greatly improved. I’m in it for the long term. Thank you for sharing your journey. -Pam

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Karen Avatar
      Karen

      I felt exactly the same when I started. No results on the scale. So glad you are in it for the long haul!

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      Reply
  4. Natalie Avatar
    Natalie

    Hi Karen, following along from Australia. I also live in a regional area, minimum 30minite drive to anywhere! Walking is my absolute joy and blessing on so many levels. Unfortunately I’ve had a foot injury and surgery this week so I’m out of action for a while. I can not wait to get out there again! I love following you! My instagram is mrsprwales if you/anyone wants another walking friend on there 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Karen Avatar
      Karen

      Thank you! I hope your surgery goes well and you recover soon! So glad you are here.

      Like

      Reply
      1. Rita Avatar
        Rita

        Hi Karen, I follow you on Instagram because I feel like we would be good friends if we were ever to meet in “real” life. Found your blog this morning and it has lots of helpful information about finding my target heart rate, so I thank you for that. Have a good day!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Karen Avatar
        Karen

        That’s exactly why I have created this blog. So glad you were able to find what you needed.

        Like

  5. Jenifer Avatar
    Jenifer

    I just turned 50 in February and I started walking in January. So far I have walked over 80 miles this year. I try to walk 2.5-3 miles at least four days a week. I will try to walk in almost any weather because I don’t enjoy walking on the treadmill.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Karen Avatar
      Karen

      You know, I have no idea how many miles I’ve walked. I wish I had kept track.

      Like

      Reply
  6. Colleen Avatar
    Colleen

    Hi Karen, a while ago you mentioned a book you liked about walking. Could you please let me know the title and author. Thank you.
    I enjoy following your Instagram.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Karen Avatar
      Karen

      52 Ways to Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, One Week at a Time https://a.co/d/6wL2kKn

      Like

      Reply
    2. Karen Avatar
      Karen

      52 ways to walk.

      Like

      Reply
      1. Colleen Avatar
        Colleen

        Hi Karen, I read the book you recommended on walking and suggest it to others. Thank you for your positive messages and a look at the sunrise. Gorgeous! I look forward to your Instagram messages.

        Thank you

        Colleen

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Karen Avatar
        Karen

        I’m so glad you enjoyed the book!

        Like

  7. Chris Lovie-Tyler Avatar
    Chris Lovie-Tyler

    This is encouraging to me. I used to run, as far as 20 kilometres, but I’m now 51 and badly out of shape. I think I’ll start walking too. Sounds like a great way back in.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to Chris Lovie-Tyler Cancel reply

Hello,

I’m Karen,

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Welcome to Choosing to Reset. I hope you enjoy my little corner of the internet. I’m a retired 60 something Texan who is working on my health, fitness, and wellbeing while living her life out loud . I invite you to join me on the journey.

Let’s connect

@choosing_to_reset

choosing.to.reset@gmail.com

Join the fun!

Here is how to reach me by email

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