On my walk today I was able to go to one of my favorite trails.
It is my favorite because the ground is dirt, uneven and rocky. This means it moves my feet more than the FLAT cement side walk.
This is important because our feet were made for this! They have many small muscles , bones and joints that are meant to be moved.
If you only walk on flat surfaces with stiff rigid shoes your feet are missing this movement nutrient.
Then your feet become stiff and rigid just like your shoes!
Another reason why I like this trail is because there are many spots along the way to help me add some variety to my days movement.
Don’t get me wrong. Walking is the best exercise you can do, but if you “stack your life “ you can also do some strength or balance training while you walk.
Making it even more beneficial.
There are multiple down logs, a couple huge tree stumps and some smaller ones too.
You may pass by these and not think anything about them.
But if you look at them with the eyes of a child, you will play!!
It’s really nice that this stump comes early on in the walk. When it is SO COLD out 10 - 20 step - ups on this and my blood is pumping and I’m no longer cold.
Also I just had a chance to strengthen my hips and leg muscles. Bonus!! More opportunities to gain strength through out your day!
What would you do if you saw this down log?
Practice your balance of course!!
This log was moved from one spot to another recently and it wasn’t very stable in it’s new location.
That was fun for me! It added to the challenge of balance.
Now you can see someone added a wedge to it. This has made it more sturdy so you can walk forward and backwards knowing your won’t roll away. lol!
I also use this log to do squats and pelvic lists. All helping to increase the strength of my hips and helping to support my body on my walks.
There are other stumps of varying height along the way that are a great spot to jump!
When was the last time you jumped?!?
I know! You can’t even remember!
Well if you don’t practice jumping you lose the ability to jump. Like anything else.
Start of small. Like 3 or 4 inch off the ground. You don’t have to jump high or far. But jump. This is a load on your muscles and bones that you don’t get unless you jump.
All of this is making your walk more nutritious on the movement scale.
Then you can go sit in front of your computer and know that you have already done a lot to fill up your movement bucket for the day.
I hope that is helpful to you. I hope you will play more and have fun on your next walk.
And really please don’t worry about who’s watching. :)
Next time they might give it a try.
Be a positive movement example for those around you!
- Heather
Side note:
I get asked all the time what shoes do I recommend. These are two of my favorite minimal shoe brands!
Vivobarefoot- we have developed a patented, ultra thin, puncture resistant sole, allowing for maximum sensory feedback as well as protection from the modern world. We make shoes for all terrains, so that our customers can live Barefoot everyday. “I have a pair of warm winter boots that I love !!”
Lems Shoes -To us, it’s simple – shoes should be designed using the bare minimum. They should fit the foot’s anatomy, while allowing your feet to move like you’re wearing nothing at all. “I love Lems Primal 2 sneakers. Wear them all the time! I also just got there Boulder Boot. They are super cute! “
Full disclosure. These are affiliate links. Meaning that at no cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.