Nature Walks

I’ve had some sort of workout routine since I was about eight years old. And my teens I was reading books about running, fitness, working out, related topics and putting my research into practice and experimenting. I was mostly interested in sprinting and running but when I had dogs, I was doing some walking. And now that I’ve got a toddler I’m walking even more.

When you’re a mom, it’s hard to find time to work out, especially if you’re the sole care taker of a toddler or even of a younger child. But if it’s important enough for you, you’ll do what you can when you can. The important thing is that you’re doing something and realize that you’re in a phase that can change in the future.

Since my toddler was a year old I would take him for walks year round. They weren’t very fast walks, but it was something. Now that he’s a few months shy of three years old, I take him every morning for a bike ride. It’s been great getting him a bike with a push handle that I can maneuver because for the first time in years I can walk at my pace, and sometimes even do a little run.

Our morning walks are one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. For me, it’s nice to start early in the day after my morning coffee because I’m fresh, not tired, and the physical activity boosts my mood. Another important thing to consider is the setting. I like to go where there are a lot of trees and plants, like a bike trail or a forest preserve. It’s not only beautiful, peaceful, and pleasant, but the oxygen levels in plant-rich areas is an added benefit. In my opinion, there is no better thing you can do for your health at every level than to work out in the open air, filled with wonderful plant and wild life. The blood pumping and circulating together with the extra oxygen in the atmosphere is just so good for you, and being surrounded by the beauty of nature is grounding and uplifting.

I’ve personally have had many wild life encounters with deer, otters, snakes, frogs, and egrets-just to name a few. And in a world full of concrete, electronics, and fake stuff, a little bit of nature and the natural world is a must. Also, when your child is exposed to nature in this manner, combining fitness with routine, I believe has such healthy and positive effects. You instill healthy habits and wisdom that they’ll always possess-very simple yet so important.