Warm Weather for Walking

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During the course of both my pregnancies, I walked every street in Twinbrook constantly. Every day that I could, I was out walking. Of course, this was followed by walking with strollers and walking to lose the baby weight. I’ve covered a lot of ground and found it to be a painless and convenient way to exercise.

To encourage healthier lifestyles, the City of Rockville has made it easy to keep track of how much you have walked through a program called Walk Rockville.

Fourteen walking routes are mapped on the City’s website and also in a handy brochure available at City Hall. All the routes are about one to two miles long and they start in a variety of neighborhoods and parks. Before starting any exercise program you should always consult your physician.

You can purchase a walking starter kit for $10 at one these City facilities: City Hall, the Swim Center, the Senior Center, or the Twinbrook/Lincoln Park Community Centers. The kit includes a pedometer, t-shirt, wristband, maps, monthly log sheet, and fitness information.

If you really want to be organized you can participate in the City-wide walking challenge by submitting a monthly log sheet recording the number of steps you have taken. You can get the forms and submit them online, or bring/mail them to City Hall. A City-wide tally will be announced at Hometown Holidays. Grab some friends and walk together because there will be awards for schools, businesses, neighborhoods and age groups with the most steps walked.

To plan your own walking route from your doorstep, I recommend walkjogrun.net. With a few clicks, you can map out a route close to your home and know exactly how far you go. I use it and find it easy to adjust my path and add distance when I’m ready. As in any exercise routine, you should start out simple and increase intensity and distance over time.

The City lists some common walking mistakes:
–Overstride
–Swinging arms too vigorously
–Looking at the ground
–Hunching your shoulders
–Carrying hand weights or using ankle weights.

So if you want to control your weight and lower your risk for diabetes, heart attacks, or colon cancer, avoid this list of mistakes and simply walk around Rockville. The inviting warm weather makes walking a pleasurable way to get healthier.

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