My goal as a health coach is to help others achieve better health. I have always enjoyed helping others through my roles as an educator, advisor, mentor, advocate, and volunteer. As I am thinking about what I can offer through a blog, I really want to share knowledge that you can use to take Tiny Steps to Better Health. I do not know everything, but I am continuously learning, researching, and trying to find the answers.
Because my focus is on tiny steps, I am not going to suggest that anyone train for a marathon. If that’s you, more power to you! I’m going to ask to start where you are and then add small increments. Let’s start with walking. The benefits of walking are numerous. Google it and you will find thousands of hits. I picked one from the Arthritis Foundation (because I am getting older and have arthritis in my foot). Here is the link if you want to see the full article: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/walking/12-benefits-of-walking. Some of my favorites – enjoy a longer life, lighten your mood, lose weight, strengthen muscles, improve sleep, and support your joints. Some of the more surprising benefits include: improve your breath, lower Alzheimer’s risk, and stop the loss of bone mass for those with osteoporosis.
My advice is to get walking! I find it meditative when I walk alone. Time flies by when I walk with others – I started a walking group in my neighborhood. We meet on Fridays. It seems like we are done in 20 minutes, even though it is closer to an hour. Again, start where you are at and start to increase. You can measure in terms of steps, miles, or time. Using time does not require anything fancy – just a watch or cell phone. Speaking of that cell phone – often you can track miles and/or steps with it. I went all out with a Garmin Watch (a gift from my wonderful husband – he reads my stuff, so maybe I’ll get some brownie points). I’ve been known to walk around the house before bed just to get to my step count. I like when my watch tells me I’ve met my goal. Hey – it’s the little things that count.
Tiny steps will get you there! Happy Walking!
Coach Michelle