| Man is distinguished from other animals by a | | | | |
| myriad of characteristics, but perhaps the | | | | Walking provides the opportunity to be an |
| most obvious difference is that man walks | | | | observer. In a park or country setting, one |
| upright. Whether you believe you are a | | | | can simply enjoy the abundance of nature or |
| product of a higher being or evolved from | | | | in a more urban setting there is the activity |
| other life forms, walking has enabled humans | | | | of day to day living that surrounds us. In |
| to easily move about the earth. In | | | | either case the focus is often removed from |
| combination with a well developed brain | | | | ourselves and gives our own mind the time to |
| humankind has conquered many challenges and | | | | reflect and evaluate. Events are occurring |
| developed a host of modern marvels. | | | | outside our direct sphere of interest and |
| | | | consequently the mind is often rejuvenated, |
| Walking enabled man to survive in the past | | | | refreshed and invigorated. |
| and it remains true today. Walking provides | | | | |
| the means to live longer and there is | | | | The physical benefits of walking are |
| virtually no expense involved, save for a | | | | numerous. Our limbs are engaged in an |
| pair of shoes - walking barefoot in many | | | | activity that man was designed to do. Our |
| environments may pose a health risk. It can | | | | muscle structure is enhanced as well as our |
| be accomplished at slower speeds for the | | | | internal organs. Our hearts may beat a bit |
| elderly or at a much quicker pace for the | | | | faster thus improving our respiratory and |
| younger and for both the health benefits are | | | | circulatory systems. Digestion is benefited |
| tremendous. | | | | and fat is burned while improving our |
| | | | flexibility and endurance. |
| Walking provides the opportunity to achieve | | | | |
| better physical and emotional health. The | | | | High blood pressure and high levels of |
| old adage of a sound mind in a sound body is | | | | cholesterol plague many and the simple act of |
| certainly a benefit of walking. The | | | | participating in a walking program offers the |
| emotional benefits of walking are as | | | | opportunity to reduce blood pressure as well |
| significant as the physical aspects. It | | | | as cholesterol levels in most people. If one |
| provides a bit of an escape from everyday | | | | wants to live longer with a better quality of |
| stresses. It provides a time to think if | | | | life the simple act of walking is the path to |
| walking alone or to discuss issues, events, | | | | follow. |
| and daily occurrences if one is accompanied. | | | | |