Exercise can be quite complicated when going to the gym. Using a treadmill, or elliptical machine or stationary bike are just 3 options for cardio exercise.  Then, there are machines to tone every muscle, build strength and improve endurance. One of the things I dislike, is just getting there.  It takes 15-20 minutes each way depending on traffic. And that’s because I live pretty close. It’s just a pain having to get in the car.  

Before, when I was in really good shape, I just got up, put on whatever was loose and handy, warmed up in my bedroom and then walked downstairs.  I walked in circles around an island in my kitchen. I really walked fast and went one way, then switched and ran around in the other. I was younger then and I would run up the steps to the 2nd floor and then back down to the first floor, down the basement stairs and up to the first floor again.  I would continue the pattern for 30-40 minutes and it kept me fit.

After exercising, I would just run upstairs and take a shower.  I’d dress for work and be done in just under an hour. Those were the days.

Since then, I have developed arthritis (in one knee especially), because I have fallen on it on concrete so many times.  So, the steps are history. And now, I have gained a lot of weight, making everything much harder to do. If only I could have stuck with the walking, I probably wouldn’t have gained the weight.  But there’s no point in dwelling on that! It makes me want to eat just thinking about it.

The other thing that’s great about walking, is that if the weather was nice, I’d walk outside.  In the early morning, everything is quiet and maybe still dark. My neighborhood is pretty safe and there is the added benefit of fresh air.

But the best thing about walking is that it’s free.  That makes it even more attractive. So why am I not doing it?  I am not sure, but I mean to find out! I must remember why I daily decided to ”just walk.”  Or else I will have to justify to myself, the reason for this madness. “Just walk, Lora.” “Just walk.”