Walk This Way

Country Road in Winter by John Singer Sargent

I've always been a pretty active person. I played sports as a kid. In my twenties I did a lot of running and yoga. Recently I started taking the occasional tennis lesson and before the weather turned cool I'd been doing dips in the pool. But with winter's chill I've really slowed down. I can't bring myself to jog on the treadmill or do an online yoga class. Instead, I've been trying to get outside for a walk each day.

It's bitter cold lately but I need my fresh air. I bundle in two sweatshirts, my warmest (most unattractive) coat, an ear warmer, a hat, a hood, gloves, a scarf, sometimes long underwear over my leggings... Super sexy ;) I can barely move in my getup, but I power through.

I stroll for at least twenty minutes. I go up a hill that feels a bit like a hike. I step on crunchy leaves, if there are any. I listen to a podcast. I chat on the phone. It's not the best workout, per se. I'm not feeling super fit right now. But no matter what, after every single walk, I feel better. And a true wellness pro knows to listen to her body.

AES