ThinkBowl

Walking is the most popular exercise in the nation because it is a social exercise.

It could even be argued that we'd be nicer to each other if we walked more. Ever see pedestrians make obscene gestures to each other? My brother and I drove his boat from Indiana to Alabama on a vacation by route of a waterway. I always said that boat people are the friendliest people in the world. They all spoke to each other and helped each other. However, I would put walkers right up there in top place as far as being social. 
 
It is contagious. People see other people walking and immediately start thinking "I should walk more" and set out to put one foot in front of the other.
 
Why is this? In our world we have television, video games, iPod, cell phones, e-mails and some people sit behind a desk all day at work in front of their computers. To escape from all of this, people are recognizing that walking gives them the opportunity to create the art of reflection, get out in nature, get the body moving, lose weight, build a stronger body and recapture the wonderful feeling of being alive.  
 
This applies to our kids as well. Look at their lives - they go to school and sit; go eat lunch in the school cafeteria and sit; come home to do their homework and sit; eat dinner and sit and then hit the video games and kid's computer sites and sit some more. If you have kids, take them for a walk with you. When do kids have time to reflect on their lives? When do kids have time to sort out their values? When do parents and kids have the time to just talk to each other? When I was walking in my neighborhood yesterday I noticed a mommy with a baby stroller, 3 other kids and 1 dog going for a walk together. I wish I had my camera so I could take a picture of this precious family. Obviously, this mommy is leading herself, her kids and her doggy to a healthy lifestyle.
 
Why is walking the favorite exercise? It is because it is:
1.       Social
2.       Contagious
3.       Reflective
4.       Healthy
 
It does not matter if you walk around a block or walk for 5 miles a day. It does not matter if you walk fast or slow. It does not matter if you walk alone or with a group.   What does matter is that you get up, go outside in the fresh air and walk.