Over the past several weeks, our Spend Smart. Eat Smart. team has been sharing some of our favorite ways to stay physically active. One of my goals as a parent is to help my kids develop a love for movement- something that feels fun, not forced. As Justine shared in last week’s family blog, finding activities that get your body moving and bring you joy is key to staying motivated.
For me, walking has been that go-to activity. Since my children were babies, I’ve tried to incorporate walking into our days as often as possible. Here are a few reasons why walking continues to be one of my favorite ways to move.
- Walking is a low-cost activity- Walking doesn’t require special equipment, gym memberships, or fancy clothing. Even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can still keep moving by walking indoors at a local mall or open gym.
- Walking brings you closer to nature- Walking is a great way to explore your local community or enjoy the outdoors around you. My preschooler loves going on scavenger hunt walks at our local park. It keeps her engaged while she practices colors, shapes, and numbers. Living in Iowa, we’re lucky to have so many wonderful parks and trails. Find an Iowa trail to turn a simple walk into a mini adventure!
- Walk solo or with company- One of the things I love most about walking is how flexible it is. In the summer, I enjoy water walking at our community pool. It’s a fun way to connect with friends after a busy day. Throughout the year, I often walk around our neighborhood while my kids ride their scooters or bikes. Our walks frequently turn into friendly chats with neighbors (and plenty of pet greetings too!). While walking with friends and family brings me a lot of joy, I also appreciate walking on my own. It’s a chance to slow down, be present, and enjoy my surroundings.
Whether it’s a 10-minute stroll or a longer walk, this simple activity can help you reset and relieve stress. You never know what small moments of happiness you might discover on your next walk!
