Free Fitness
By Efren Martinez
Life happens, and unfortunately, so do injuries. Due to an injury, I couldn’t run without discomfort and pain. No matter. If you can’t run, you jog. If you can’t jog, you walk. In my case, I switched my running shoes to my walking shoes. Honestly, I thought that if I didn’t run, I would start to lose the ability to maintain my weight/build or even gain some weight. WOW, was I wrong! Walking helped me keep and may have helped me lose a pound or two. Of course, adjusting my caloric intake per walking instead of running also played a big part. Even though my injuries were bothersome, I could still get moving.
Walking wasn’t nearly as hard as running on my joints. Too much running can harm your overall joint and knee health over time. As we age, everything ages with us. It’s part of life, no big deal. Even though I enjoy running, walking was just as or maybe more beneficial to my fitness mind, body, and soul. I’m not saying to stop running. I only want you to know it is ok to go with the flow. If you feel like running, run. If you feel like walking, walk.
Either one gives you free fitness. Who doesn’t like free? No Gym to join. No fees to pay. Not a bunch of expensive equipment to buy. No, you won’t get a T-Shirt for walking on a given day, nor a goodie bag filled with useless stuff you’ll throw away. You will benefit from a healthy lifestyle while keeping a few more of your hard-earned bucks. Perhaps after so many years of racing, I’ve become wiser. Maintaining and living a healthier lifestyle comes with practice. So keep at it whatever you do, and never give up. Experience matters. Cheers to your health!
