Having spent the last 4 days in NYC with the family, bonding, celebrating and doing the tourist thing, there was something very clear to all of us. As you look around the streets of Manhattan, most everyone appears to be a healthy weight. It’s not for lack of or lack of variety of places to eat. From street vendors peddling hot dogs and pretzels, to Chinatown, (the best) pizza on EVERY corner and so much more, it’s hard to walk more than a few feet without stumbling upon some enticing options. Even the vegan options were to die for. When Derek and I hit the Red Bamboo, in fact, I declared that I did not want anything I can make or eat at home and I did not want to eat a “healthy” meal. Instead we opted for crazy things like spicy fried “shrimp” deep fried dumplings and “seafood” tempura. All this in a vegan place. Only in NY! After eating, we headed back to our hotel. It was a couple of miles, and that was after walking a couple of miles earlier in the day.
People in NYC, both tourists and residents, clearly get their walking in. Doing some research into it this morning, it seems that most NYCers average about 4 miles of walking a day. It makes sense to me then, that walking several miles a day…most every single day, really might be the magic bullet. This has definitely given me something to think about and reminds me once again, that keeping it simple, might be bigger than the big stuff. Hmmmm.
Bonni, a great observation and so very true. Living in a rural environment, which I love, I fit as much walking in as possible. However while a student in NYC and London, I actually walked more often. Had too. Walk to the public transportation as well as walking to keep within my budget.
So question is, how do I schedule more time for walking in my busy life when it is not available to me as a necessity to get from place to place?
Best regards, Catherine
This is the million dollar question, Catherine. So many of us feel the same way, but I think we need to do a little prioritizing and we can all find time to squeeze in an extra mile or two. Inspired by our NYC observation, Mitch and I set out on a 1.5 mile walk while our sweet potatoes were in the oven last night. I had already taught a couple of aerobic sessions and could have easily opted out but the daily walking makes a lot of sense to me, so off we went. We can all set our alarm clocks for a half hour earlier or choose a walk over 1 30 minute tv show or instead of one 30 minute sitcom. I believe we need to look at each day and start “carving” a slice of time to get in our daily exercise and if it means walking a little more, than we need to carve a little more. It definitely is clear that when we have no choice but to walk, as you say was the case with going to school in NYC and London, we will walk more, but the trick is to somehow mimic a bit of that by choice.
Thanks for stopping in, Catherine.
I am so glad that you shared your walking tips with us. Ted and I are really looking forward to our Manhattan “fix.” There is something magical about that city and WALKING is definitely THE means of transportation. Walking partnered with window shopping and munching on healthy snacks is always a great combination for me. It seems that it is effortless when vacationing in the Big Apple. Also, I do not feel guilty when I eat a larger meal, because the calories are being burned off in such a fun, unconscious way!
BTW…..I took a yoga class the other day from a very inspiring instructor. She was 87 years young and has been teaching yoga for 38 years. This gal was unbelievable. When we were just about done with the class, she sent us off with “Namaste” and then stated that we needed to have some “laughter yoga.” The class looked puzzled. She then burst into an uncontrollable laughter which initiated the entire class laughing. It was quite a memorable and refreshing way to end her peaceful, calm class. Laughter is truly a great form of medicine that helps all ailments.
where did you take the class, Rita?