This is my third post on a course I’m taking. Walking has been my exercise of choice whether at the fitness center, traveling, or walking around the neighborhood where I live.
When OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) with the University of Virginia offered the Fall Course ~ The World of Walking ~, I was totally on-board. What could this instructor, Dan Kulund, possibly introduce us to about ‘Walking’ that would fill up a six-week, hour and half weekly class on The World of Walking. My first post on The World of Walking covered some of the styles of walking and tips on good walking form. My Second Post (here) covers some of the interesting history of City Walking and how things have changed. This third post covers country walking and tips on using a walking stick.
Dr. Kulund, a retired orthopedist, is an expert at walking and its health benefits. The class is educational in both the slide presentations of the history of walking plus the experience of walking in a group and learning exercises and techniques along the way.
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Walking Sticks
I bought my walking stick at the museum gift shop at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Now that I’ve taken this course and learned a few exercises you can do as your walking along the trail, I’ll be bring my walking stick along with me when I walk the Saunders-Monticello Trail.
- PUSH: Up over your head ~ Out in front
- PULL: Curls; Half-jacks from waist up;
- MIXED: Squats using stick for support; Lunges (step back/drop knee to ground)
In my area we also have a neurologist designed of special walking sticks called Neuro Staff. (You can go to his website by clicking on the link) You might be able to find a similar product in your area.
The Staff of Asclepius is a medical symbol and refers to the Greek God of Healing:
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“The object of walking is to relax the mind. You should therefore not permit yourself even to think while you walk. But divert your attention by the objects surrounding you. Walking is the best possible exercise.”
~ Thomas Jefferson ~
❤
Country Walking
I love to walk and to hike and I love my hiking stick. It was made for me by a friend for one of our hut hiking trips in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
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That sounds amazing! I’d love to go to some of the cities known for pedestrian walking too. 🙂
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If you haven’t been to Manhattan that’s one place to start. The whole island is flat so you tend to walk longer distances than you’d think just because there are no little hills to climb.
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Walking is the only type of exercise that I like Mary Lou – my Mum has progressed to using a stick when she walks – just for that added bit of stability and it’s something I’ll be looking at for uneven ground later down the track.
MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
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Thank you for sharing Leanne! It’s the best overall exercise no matter how old we are. Keep moving! 🙂
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Sounds like an interesting course. I’m a big walker, I believe walking is a great healer for the mind. Works for me anyway 😊
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It is for me too! Thanks for visiting! 🙂
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I am an avid walker – for pleasure, for exercise, for socializing, and for transportation. I greatly appreciate you sharing this info from your course. I would love for a similar course to be offered in my area — I would definitely sign up! #MLStL
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Walking is a lifelong exercise. It’s so great to be with a group who are my age and realize the importance of it. Very positive!
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I love walking. I agree it should be to clear the mind. It’s almost meditative for me. I like to walk first thing in the morning. It sets me up for the day, and I really feel better about myself all day when I’ve had a nice long walk. Although I love walking with friends, my daily hour is me time, by myself, at a fast pace.
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