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How
Power Walking changed my life
10 Safety tips for Power Walking at night
Terrified at the thought of standing on the scale,
it took six months to get the courage to look at the amount of
weight I’d rapidly gained after entering menopause. Despite
eating better, I had lost no weight. Shocked when I opened my
eyes, the number on the scale was almost 22 pounds more than
the last time I weighed myself. Dreading the inevitable,
I had no choice but to incorporate daily exercise into my life. The
days of exercising once or twice a week to loose a couple of
pounds were over, thanks to menopause. The weight I had gained
at my waistline was drastic, three inches in less than a year. Looking
at myself naked in the mirror it became clear to me that my body
had changed from an hourglass to a beach ball. Last year
my BMI was 19, this year is had grown to 24, just on the verge
of being overweight. It was no longer about looking good it was
now about feeling good and getting my health back.
Exercise that fits into your lifestyle
My greatest challenge was finding an exercise that would yield
weight loss results that I would enjoy daily. I was so out
of shape that I no longer wanted to go to my favorite yoga classes. I
wouldn’t be able to keep up with the class, and I was embarrassed
about the weight I had gained. Depressed that the once simple yoga
pose of doing ‘downward dog’ would now inflict injuries
as my Jell-O belly slammed into my face, I wanted to find a lifelong
exercise choice that I could do whenever I wanted, did not cost
money, helped relieve stress, ensured weight loss and kept me healthy.
Living in a scenic area I decided that power walking
was my answer. It would give me the chance to get some ‘alone
time’, build strength and endurance, allow for flexibility,
and give me the opportunity to check out my neighbors latest decorating
secrets.
Power walking promised:
• Weight Loss
• More energy
• More strength
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Better sleep, and with terrible night sweats this was important
• Zero cost, with the exception of a good walking shoes
Huffing and puffing for over two weeks, I finally started feeling
good about my half hour power walks. I started gradually losing
weight and feeling better about myself. Enjoying my walks was
good for “my head” and had fun socializing
with neighbors as I returned home.
But with Daylight savings time ending, coming home from work and power walking before sundown was going to be impossible.
Safety
My only option was to start power walking at night. But that decision created another set of problems to
deal with…safety. Having been attacked once in my life in a foreign
country at night, I was nervous about walking in the dark.
My
fears included being:
Raped
Robbed
Run over by rush hour traffic
I fought off the attacker without any physical injury, and he was
later thrown in jail. I had failed at Tip #1: never go alone. I
failed at Tip #2: walk in an area that is populated and avoid
areas with bushes. And I failed at Tip #8: walk in an
area that is well lit.
The Menopausal Bride’s 10 Safety Tips for Power
Walking at Night
1. Don’t go alone bring a buddy or your husband. If
you have a dog, take him too!
2. Walk in an area that is populated. Avoid dark, secluded
streets. Possible attackers can hide between parked cars or
in bushes. That’s what my attacker did – he jumped
out from behind a bush. Avoid putting yourself in a position
where someone could jump out and surprise you.
3. Do not wear a headset. At night you must use all of
your senses. Be observant and alert at all times.
4. Do not pull your hair back in a ponytail. An attacker
can grab you by the ponytail, and have full control of your head and
body quickly.
5. Bring your cell phone and your driver’s license. Should
there be a problem you can call for help. If you got hurt, having
your ID can save your life.
6. Tell someone when you are walking at night. Let that
person know when you expect to be home and what route you are taking.
7. Don’t wear jewelry; it could attract a possible attack.
8. Walk in areas that are well lighted. If you think you
are being followed, change directions and head for safety.
9. Wear reflective discs on your clothing so others can see
you. Most walking shoes have reflective material sewn on the
shoes. And wear brightly colored clothes, so you can be seen.
10. Walk in the opposite direction of traffic so you can see
on-coming cars. Carry a flashlight.
I now follow these safety tips and enjoy my night
walks with my husband. Power walking changed my life. It gave me freedom, health and
self-esteem.
Treat yourself to a great pair of walking shoes, and start enjoying the benefits of power walking. Go to:
• www.footsmart.com
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