Spring is thankfully making its way here and it is the right season for walking! Dig out your walking shoes (find the shoes with the best support). If the shoes are old and ratty- it is time for something new! Grab a friend, partner or spouse and walk, walk and walk. Walking is the number one exercise for all of us. If you prefer to run, jog or cycle – that is wonderful, too. Walking is so great because all you need is a good pair of shoes. So, it is the least expensive type of exercise. And the surrounding views are so beautiful in Nelson County that walking helps lift our spirits as well as help keep us fit.

If you are just starting out, begin with a timed walk. Time yourself for 10-15 minutes. Complete that daily for one week. Increase your time by 10% for week two. For example, if you walked 15 minutes during week one, then you’ll add 1.5 minutes to your walks for week two (16.5 minutes). It may not seem very glorious to increase by such small increments, but you will prevent muscle and joint injuries in the long run (or walk). Increase your walking time to 30-45 minutes. Once you have reached that duration, then walk 5 times a week. Try your best to walk that frequently.

Now, let’s say you have a hectic home and work schedule this upcoming week. How can you fit in 30 minutes of walking for 5 days? That total time is 150 minutes. Keep in mind that exercise is cumulative. So, you may try taking a 15 minute walk at lunch time and another 15 minute walk when you get home and do that 3 days a week. Then take a 60 minute walk over the weekend and you have completed 150 minutes of walking this week. Arrange your walks any way you wish to complete 150 minutes each week!

Find your spot to walk and make it a habit with a friend. Living in a rural area can be challenging for safe or flat walking venues. If walking around your home is difficult, try public venues. Try the school parking lots in the afternoon, the area around the Rockfish Valley Community Center or the Piney River Rails to Trails path. Wherever you go, just walk with a smile!