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Walking Builds the Body, Clears the Mind

November 10, 2007

Writing takes tenacity. Successful writers know there is nothing more important than planting your rear firmly in a chair and sitting there until the day’s work is done. However, this kind of sedentary activity takes its toll pretty quickly, so it’s important to have an exercise plan that goes beyond walking over to the refrigerator to see what’s inside. 

 
 
icon for podpress  Click to play CWT Bonus Video: Play Now | Play in Popup

Mayo Clinic researcher Dr. James Levine said, “Getting out there and taking a walk is what it’s all about. You don’t have to join a gym, you don’t have to check your pulse. You just have to switch off the TV, get off the sofa and go for a walk.”

Levine says the bottom line is this: walking is good, whether the outcome measurement is blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, joint problems or mental health. Just 30 minutes of exercise each day can keep you healthy.

The added benefit of exercise is that it also clears your mind. If you have an unresloved problem in the plot or progress of your manuscript, clarity often comes after an exercise break. Walking is an immediate way to break a mental logjam. Dr. Levine said, “Unlike a health club membership or personal trainer, walking is there for everyone. Walking doesn’t cost you anything, you can do it barefoot and you can do it now, this minute.”

I recently came across a Web site, www.gmap-pedometer.com, that makes creating a walking route in any neighborhood especially easy. This site combines Google Maps with a method of measuring the distance of a walking route you create, and even calculates the number of calories you burn based on your weight. View the bonus video above, then go to the web site to create your own exercise route in your neighborhood.

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Written by The Editor · Filed Under The Writing Life