Wellness Wisdom Get Moving

Wellness Wisdom

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Moving By Daniel C. Nevins, Esquire

Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Darwin, Woolf, MLK, Jobs: All are geniuses who have in common lasting legacies that shape our modern world in philosophy, science, literature, civil rights, and technology.

What may be less known is that this group walked tall both literally and figuratively–each one engaged in a regular outdoor walk, a simple act that most of us can enjoy every day and without cost. Time away from our desks, moving our bodies, whether slowly or quickly, even just a few minutes a day reaps great benefits. Research studies consistently show that regular exercise improves memory and cognition. We all know this to be true, yet many will search for excuses to avoid physical activity.

Let’s walk through the Why, How, Where, and When of ambulation.

Why?

Time is a limited resource for all attorneys. For many of us, it is carefully measured, tracked, and billed. So, how do you convince a busy attorney to devote time to get outside, and move on a regular basis? Consider it a service to your clients and part of your practice. The active attorney has an active mind. Time outside spurs thinking outside the box and may lead to creative solutions to problems not found as easily behind our desks. You may find inspiration for lines of cross-examination, arguments for briefs, openings and closings while taking a solo nature walk. (I’ve prepped murder trials, while marathon training, and I mentally outlined this article on this morning’s run.)

Lawyers look for evidence, so consider the expert testimony:

Nietzsche: “It is only ideas gained from walking that have any worth.”

Kierkegaard: “Every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness; I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.”

Darwin, while working on the Theory of Evolution, took a daily walk to exercise his mind and body on what he called his “thinking path” from his home through the shady woods and past a hedgelined field.

Woolf, as part of her writing process, would recite out loud her drafts during daily walks.

King, as a seminary student, took a daily hour-long walk through the campus woods to “commune with nature.”

Steve Jobs was famous around Palo Alto for his long walks, which he used for exercise, contemplation, problem solving, and even meetings.

How?

Schedule time in your calendar for outdoor exercise just as you would a client appointment and commit to it. For motivation, you might consider treating yourself to a fresh pair of shoes that are perfectly suited to your body type, gait, and expected usage. During your next stroll down Penn Ave in West Reading, consider a stop at the Fleet Feet store. One of the trained sales staff can help you with a 3D foot scan, displaying instant results on size, pronation and more. In under an hour, you’ll be properly outfitted in gear, that improves your experience and with knowledge to help you move your best.

Where?

You have your new kicks, so where do you go? Berks County boasts a wealth of excellent walking trails: 1.Union Canal Trail, accessible from various locations including Grings Mill or the Berks County Heritage Center, among others. Chances are you’ll come across a blue heron or two and more than a few fishermen angling for trout. 2.Blue Marsh Lake, with trails accessible from the State Hill boat docks to the south or the Stilling Basin on the north.

Consider taking Fido along to what I call “Dog Beach,” a couple of miles from the parking lot at the lake (follow the

Golden Retrievers). 3.John Bartram Trail in Hamburg, with views of the

Schuylkill River, lots of deer and gorgeous foliage in the Fall. 4.Thun Trail can be picked up at Reading Area Community

College or at the Brentwood trailhead off of Route 10. Stop by

Trooper Thorns (site of a monthly 5K series in the summer) or head east towards Exeter. 5.If security or distance is a concern, you can also utilize your local high school track or simply your neighborhood streets.

Wave to the neighbors and show off your newfound fitness.

As this is the Travel Issue of the The Barrister, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the joy of exploring distant cities, towns, and wilderness on foot. There is simply no better way to take in the sights, sounds and smells than with an elevated heart rate, a thin layer of sweat, and rhythmic foot falls. Personal favorite runs of mine in other cities have included the Freedom Trail in Boston, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and Colonial Williamsburg. The boardwalks and beaches of the New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland shores also provide a beautiful backdrop for exercise during a summer vacation.

When?

As with the practice of law, a disciplined routine is the key to continued success. Set aside a time of day that works for you and treat it as nonnegotiable. Mornings are an ideal time for quiet contemplation and mentally planning your workday. Lunch hours can provide a nice break from the computer or courtroom, and an opportunity to recharge for the afternoon. Evenings can provide decompression from your workday, be it family walk time, or a chance to reconnect with a friend or neighbor.

Make a regular commitment to walking or running outdoors. Your mind, body, and law practice will thank you.

Daniel Nevins is a partner at Ebner, Nevins & McAllister in Reading, Pa. He is the Chairman of the Wellness Committee.

Fleet Feet, 705 Penn Ave., West Reading, PA 19611 610-320-9097 www.fleetfeet.com

Union Canal Trail 2038 Tulpehocken Road, Reading, PA 19610 www.traillink.com/trail/union-canal-trail

Blue Marsh Lake 1268 Palisades Drive, Leesport, PA 19533 www.nap.usace.army.mil/Missions/ Civil-Works/Blue-Marsh-Lake/

John Bartram Trail Front and State Streets, Hamburg, PA www.hamburgpa.org/business/ bartram-trailschuylkill-river-trail-trailheads/

Thun Trail 639 Morgantown Road, Reading, PA www.schuylkillriver.org/schuylkill-river-trail/ Trooper Thorn’s Irish Beef House 451 Morgantown Road, Reading, PA 610-685-4944 www.trooperthorns.com