Walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise out there.  What is so great about it?  Well, for starters, almost everyone was born with the equipment (and within the first year or so the ability) to walk and continues to hold on to it till they are six feet under.  For me, walking is more that just a way to travel, it is a way to relieve stress, clear my head, and call out to new ideas.  During my walk this morning in the beautiful environment of Winchester (visiting the in-laws), I started playing around with “my walk”.  I am a certified youth fitness instructor as well as an expert in pre-and post-natal fitness, so I have lots of creative ideas for sparking up a simple walking exercise.  Now I know you have heard of this…but have you actually ever tried it? I am calling it the “Hey Hey We’re the Monkeys”!  stride.  That’s right!  Just changing your stride, in this case wide outward circles, changes your workout!  You engage different parts of your muscles and add some flavor and fun to your workout.  And if you have an audience in the front yard gardener or the lawn mower , you can even invoke a little giggle at yourself.  Too embarrassed?  You don’t have to do it for long. And for goodness sakes, don’t hurt yourself by locking your knees.  Really get down into it and keep your core engaged (suck it in sister).  Maybe just count to 30.  Or fit it in when no one can see you.  Or, take a friend/child with you.  You can laugh it up together.  Here’s to another fun way of improving/sustaining your health…“Hey Hey We’re the Monkeys!”

Anna Fincher (MommieInMotion)