May 2002
The spring and the summer are great seasons to get out of the house and experience nature. Why exercise indoors when you can go out of doors and enjoy God’s creation? In Bible times, walking was the main means of transportation and fitness. We have many accounts of Jesus’ journeys, some of which were over 40 miles in one day! Wow! And this was without the help of modern day Reeboks or Nikes.
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV)
Even the Bible tells us to take care of our body, as it is the “temple” that houses the Holy Spirit. So… make a decision to become more active. Walking can be the easiest and most natural method to do so.
Following are some basic walking guidelines:
* Stand tall with your shoulders back and down, and chest up.
* Keep head up with chin parallel to the ground
* Try to keep your abdominal muscles contracted
* Squeeze your derriere tight while striding
* Strike your heel on the ground first, roll through the ball of the foot, and push off with the toes.
* Swing arms at 90 degrees, pulling back with the elbows.
* Allow hips to rotate
* Drink water before, during and after
* Stretch when finished holding each stretch for 30-60 seconds.
Hiking and walking are great family activities and there are many books available that detail routes in your area. Remember to start slow and build up. Let’s shape up for the summer!