Walk the Walk

Story by Star Diavolikis Photo by Dylan Hanson Design by Thong Lam & Katie Jo Stewart

After sitting at your computer all morning in meetings and zoom classes you are craving some time away from the screen and on your feet. You want to find ways to get more active now that you’re spending more and more time sitting down throughout the day. But being active doesn’t always mean taking the time to go to the gym.

Depending on your schedule, lifestyle or preferences, you may not have the time to go to the gym every day. But you don’t have to run on a treadmill or lift weights each day in order to make an effort to start moving. Working in something as simple as a walk into your day could be a huge game changer.

THE BENEFITS OF WALKING

Walking can be a good way to get your body moving, depending on what your goals are. Brian McGladrey, associate professor and co-chair in the Department of Sport & Movement Studies, explains the specific benefits of walking compared to other activities. Differences can start by seeing if the activity is either labeled as physical activity or exercise.

“Physical activity is bodily movement that results in a caloric expenditure above a base rate,” McGladrey says. “Whereas exercise is defined as strategic planned activities and intended to address measures of aerobic capacity, muscular strength, flexibility.” He goes on to say that the transition from just sitting in a chair, to walking, to running increases the caloric expenditure, which helps keep body weight consistent.

Aerobic walking graduate student instructor Briley Walker says that walking is beneficial because it is good for building up cardio and strength after things like a surgery, or just trying to get in better shape.

Walking also is simply more achievable and accessible. “Because you don’t really need any more equipment. You don’t have a place to go, you can just step outside and start walking,” he says.

The activity also helps with joint issues and back pain. As McGladrey says, “You know, those types of things that we see increase in individuals who spend too much time sitting.” He says that many people, nearly most people, spend too much time sitting.

McGladrey says being disconnected from social media and technology while walking provided benefits beyond physical improvements. One may see an improvement in their current mental state of mind. He and Walker say being disconnected from social media and technology while walking provides an opportunity to give yourself a break and just relax.

Having the right shoes that are supportive are essential, especially when walking far. McGladrey mentions that bad shoe choices can cause arch, foot, ankle and knee issues. Many joints are affected when walking without the proper footwear.

Walker recommends having a shoe that has a “bit of bounce” for the ankle. He says this is to keep you from just being grounded and provides ankle support.

McGladrey says the best shoe is something with good support, fits the arch of your foot and is just plain comfortable. He uses running shoes to walk in, and knows to replace them after a certain amount of miles is put in. Wearing the shoes out can cause harm in the long run.

According to huffpost.com, where professionals were asked this question, shoes should be replaced every 300 - 500 miles. You can keep track of this with a workout watch or app.

There are so many options for walking in the Burg. Throughout town, there are plenty of sidewalks making a walk to your favorite coffee shop or to class safe and accessible. There are also built in walking trails in several parks and within communities open to public use at any time.

Some local parks that all have walking trails: McElroy Park, Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park, West Ellensburg Park and North Alder Street Park.

LACE UP WALKING THE BURG

Vandan Amin pictured right, Parker Thompson pictured left.