“Exercise releases endorphins, endorphins make you happy, happy people don’t kill their husbands. They just don’t!” – Elle Woods, Legally Blonde
Do you remember this line from Legally Blonde? Ironically I was on my treadmill when I saw this scene and while Reese Witherspoon was awesome as Elle Woods, it’s not only a funny line but true! Endorphins make you feel good and it’s as easy as getting up and going for a non-stop 30 minute walk in your target heart rate zone to get that feel-good feeling – how neat is that?!
Right there at your feet (literally!) you’ve got a key to feeling better in as little as 30 minutes. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes (or boots if you’re walking outside in the winter), appropriate dress for the conditions, and you’re good to go. Take a look at your watch, grab the dog’s leash, and get outside for a 30-minute walk. Why not?!
Now if you have a treadmill that’s even handier. Clean it off if you’ve been using it for a clothes hangar, put on some music or an uplifting DVD and start walking. 30 minutes will fly by before you know it and you’ll feel awesome when you’re done. Who knows, maybe you’ll decide to keep walking after you reach 30 minutes?
The thing is, walking is the easiest form of exercise and if you wanted to you could even do it standing in place. Now I don’t think that’s as fun unless you’re using a Walk Away the Pounds DVD – I’ve used those before and they can be quite fun. Otherwise just get on your walking shoes and get outside or on that treadmill (that’s what I enjoy – my treadmill).
Remember, life is supposed to feel good. It’s not supposed to be a struggle and you’re meant to feel happy. Walking for at least 30 minutes in your target heart rate zone is a simple way to get those feel good endorphins flowing and you just might find that you begin to look forward to your walk each day – now wouldn’t that be great?!
A free happy pill is just waiting for ya right there at your doorstop. Have fun on your walk!
I used to love walking to work in the morning. When the weather was nice, it really cleared my mind and got you ready for the day.
– Dave
Exercise has always made me feel amazing. I tend to do a lot of weight training which gives me the same buzz as cardio. Nothing feels better than exercising early in the morning when everyone else is asleep. Best time of day in my opinion. It really sets you up in a positive mood for the day.
It is also addicting. I have been running or walking every day for more than 25 years and my kids could always tell if I had missed my walk because I would be grumpy. Even with a foot of snow yesterday I shoveled a path from our house to the road just so I could get out to take my walk. Of course it was beautiful and quiet with snow and no traffic!
“It was beautiful and quiet with snow and no traffic!”
Sounds great. : )
I always struggle in the winter when it’s cold but I always feel better when I manage to get up and go running etc.
I love walking. Aside from the exercise it gives me, it also gives me a chance to enjoy the scenery. Plus it helps me save the environment by not using my car whenever I have to go the grocery so if people will walk more, we will somehow make an impact on global warming.