Energy Walking - Getting Fit Made Super Easy

We all know we should exercise regularly, but if we really want to be able to keep it up, it has to be easy to fit into the day, and if at all possible, enjoyable.

Exercise doesn’t have to be over-exerting and it shouldn’t be something we have to force ourselves to do under protest. Going to the gym is great for those who can manage it, but for many of us it just isn’t possible.

The energy walk is a great little routine for blowing away mental and physical cobwebs. It’s designed to give the ultimate benefit to the body and brain with the minimum investment of time. It’s quick and easy, you don’t need any equipment, and you can do it anywhere.

Here’s what to do:
Step outside take a deep breath, look up to the sky and s-t-r-e-t-c-h. Bounce lightly on your heels for a few seconds. This opens the meridian energy channels in the legs.

Now it’s time to start walking. Let your arms swing naturally by your side, right arm moving forward with right leg and visa versa. Step it up a little and exaggerate the swing of your arms slightly.

Keep your hands loose and your fingers spaced about a half-inch apart as you walk. This opens the energy channels of the upper body.

Breathe deeply and rhythmically, and choose something to think about that always brings a smile to your lips. Someone you love, something to be grateful for. Just call up something positive that easily comes to mind and as you walk feel good to have this thought, good to be moving your body and good to take in the air around you.

That’s it. Doing this for just ten minutes a day is guaranteed to lift your mood and get you feeling energised.


Info box:
Walking is an easy way to feel stronger and fitter. Adding these simple extra moves makes it as beneficial to the brain as it is to the body.

Slightly exaggerating the natural swing of the arms when walking causes a natural “crossover” effect in the brain, as one arm moves forward with the opposite leg. This encourages simultaneous functioning of the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

The benefits:
clears the mind and reduces stress
encourages creative thought and problem solving
improves co-ordination and sports performance
helps with writing, reading and comprehension skills

Integrative exercise such as marching on the spot, energy walking, or a baby’s crawling encourages our intuitive side to get involved in our activities and learning.

The simple exercise of marching on the spot has been shown to help children with reading and writing difficulties.
For adults working in stressful, or narrow focus work related tasks, it’s a great way to relax the body and tune the brain too.

 

image by Martin Gommel
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