Put Some Step In Your Spring

     Now that spring is in the air (apologies to those across the rest of the nation for whom this is only a lovely dream), it's time to take advantage of the simplest, most accessible, and possibly most effective exercise on Earth -- WALKING.  Just think: You’ve known how to do it all your life, it doesn’t require any snazzy equipment, and you don’t have to go anywhere special to do it.  Just hop into those sneakers and move! 

     And the news gets better:  Just 30 minutes of brisk walking every day could add extra years to your life.  But there's even more.  The benefits of good, old-fashioned walking include: 

      1) reducing the risk of some cancers, 

      2) reducing the risk of diabetes, 

      3) reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease,  

      4) lowering cholesterol levels, 

      5) increasing and maintaining bone density,  

      6) reducing and maintaining weight, 

      7) boosting your mood, and 

      8) relieving stress.  

      If all that were available in a pill, we'd be popping them like candy, wouldn't we?  So what are we waiting for? 
      But hold the phone!  Before you head out, be sure you’re not lacing up tennies that are older than your car.  Rather than risking injuries to your feet, knees, or back, treat yourself to a new pair of walking shoes if you haven’t recently.  Plus, new shoes just LOOK like they’re moving faster, don’t you think? 
     Finally, don’t just stroll around the grounds.  Leash up Fido later; let this be YOUR time.  Strive to move at a pace that gets your heart pumping and helps you break a little sweat.  Step right out! 
     So let’s see . . . the benefits are too great to ignore, you know how to do it, you’ve got the right shoes, and the beautiful desert scenery is out there just waiting for you.  And by the way, in Japan, the term "Shinrin-yoku" means literally "forest bathing," or the act of walking in nature to manage stress and relax.  Excuse me, I'm heading outside to take a bath!