Talkin' the Walk

I just returned from an hour walk with a good friend of mine and came to a realization. Walking is really good for you! Okay, I don't mean just physically, though it is probably lower impact than step or aerobics, but taking a brisk walk with a good friend is good for your body, your mind and your soul.

First of all, being outside is soooooo much better than being inside (unless its pouring or 10 below...even with the Sleeping Bag coat, that's asking a bit much.) My walks usually take me along open fields, woods and through quiet, pretty neighborhoods. Nature is all around. Yes, you have to keep your eyes open (Hmm...pile of pine cones or pile of dog sh*t?). The other day while walking with Fitfreak I saw an unusual nest hanging from a tree (it looked like a testicle...I called it a nesticle...)

But the best part of walking with friends isn't just the physical benefit of getting fresh air and exercising my body. It gives me quality time to bond with my friend about what's going on in our lives, what we are thinking or feeling, how to solve issues or problems. It's like free therapy while you burn calories (maybe therapists should try this, take their clients on a walk for an hour or install a treadmill in their office!) Sure we could talk on the phone, but then there's the guilt we suffer about feeling like we need to be more productive while the kids are in school, get another load of laundry done or pay the bills or get the roast in the crock pot. Walking with a friend is multi-tasking at its best!

I've learned more about my friend's family histories from these walks than in all the time we've been friends (and some of that information would curl your hair, but of course I won't divulge...sorry!) We share what's going on in our lives, what we fear, what we love, what's important and what's trivial. We help each other put our lives in perspective, and we seem to open up in a way we never could in the confines of a gym or exercise class.

Yes, there are days when I like to sweat my ever-increasing ass off in a great spin class. I also like to walk alone at times with some kickass music blaring in my iPod (I have no one to blame for my hearing loss but myself!) But the walks I take with my good friends are the workouts that do more than just burn calories and tone muscles. And for that I am truly grateful.