Laurie Snider
Notes From The Nest
Have you ever heard the one about, “When I was young, I used to walk five miles to school in the snow … uphill both ways … barefoot”? It’s a timeless tale used as inspiration for children, to suggest that, perhaps they don’t need a ride after all and should walk.
The word walk, is an old English derivative, from wealcan, which means, to roll. Scientists believe that walking originated underwater with hopping, air-breathing fish, a few eras back. Humans began our bipedal form of ambulation about three-to-six million years ago.
The average age most children learn to walk, is at a year old give or take a few months. Most mammals are walking shortly after birth, much sooner than humans. At one time it was suggested that this was because we have more complex brains and much more to learn, so it takes longer.
As it turns out, according www.livescience.com, “all mammals take their first steps at the same point in their brain development.” It’s a matter of when that brain development occurs, which differs with lengths of gestation. Human babies are less neurologically developed at birth; therefore, it takes us longer to learn. Fascinating!
As a youngster, I did walk to school everyday. Perhaps not five miles and definitely not through snowbanks but there was a rather large hill to traipse up. Most likely there were days we would complain and beg for a ride, but in general, I recall it as quite a pleasant experience.
We marched through nearby sub-divisions, picking up friends along the way. Once near the school, we were treated to a scenic wander, through a woodsy park, which I found both calming and refreshing. Upon reflection, these were precious sojourns, easy moments, times to chat with siblings and friends, gossip about the days events or share tantalizing secrets of our latest crush!
As an adult, despite many enthusiastic attempts, I’ve never really been the gym type. Oh sure, for the first few weeks I attend in earnest; skipping, hopping, jumping and lifting heavy, cold, metal objects with the best of them.
Inevitably though, at some point, my favourite show is on, someone stops by for tea or time flies in my garden and I miss a session … or eight, until I stop going altogether. After forfeiting a membership or two, I decided to make walking my exercise of choice.
A study by Statistics Canada in 2005, found that walking was the No. 1 leisure activity for Canadians. This is for good reason, a good trot around a few blocks has been shown to improve confidence, stamina, energy and to reduce stress. It’s also helpful for weight loss and control and can increase life expectancy.
Hippocrates said, “Walking is man’s best medicine.” He was right. A little fervent locomotion can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and some forms of cancer. It’s also a beneficial aid in treating depression, anxiety and improving, memory, concentration and reasoning. Sign me up!
Most new parents discover early on, the benefits of fresh air and a robust jaunt about town with their new little charges, especially if they happen to be screaming at the time. Randy and I were no different. This is when we became ardent ambulators. Everyday, usually more than once, we bundled up our offspring and a dog or two and outdoors we went.
Before we knew it, they were scampering right along with us and then finally outpacing us. Many of our best family times were spent rambling along rugged paths through a forest, up hills, down dales, across grassy meadows or following some rocky shoreline. We embraced this opportunity to teach them about trees, wildflowers, insects, animals and life. They taught us too, about slowing down, appreciating the minutiae and reminding us how to laugh, unhindered, from deep in your belly.
Walking is still my preferred form of exercise. Most days I’m out at least once but sometimes twice with the boys; Farley and Barnabas. Walking our dogs has been a marvelous way to meet our neighbours.
We’ve developed lasting friendships, while stepping out with our canine companions. I like to think that trotting at a pace, around an empty field, playing ball or hiking through the woods with them, is keeping me healthy and fit; body, mind and spirit.
Researchers from the University of Seattle have done studies showing that when men and women walk together, men will adjust their stride to a slower pace, matching their partners, but only if they are romantically involved. This is my favourite type of walking; holding hands, enjoying some convivial companionship, sharing hopes, dreams, a giggle or the details of our day. Yes indeed. It’s a great day for a walk.