How’s it going? Now more than ever, we need to find creative ways to get our assets outside and exercise safely. A good bit of regular fresh air is critical to keep our sanity and our waistbands from exploding during periods of isolation. And while walking is as good an exercise as any, walking alone can be tedious. That’s why I put a beat in my feet to get the job done, with what I call “walk-dancing.”
Hang on: Don’t go squirrely on me, I’m not saying I’m out there, twirling and tap-dancing my way down the nature trail. Although that does sound like a delicious thing to do, I’m more reserved in my public displays.
Here’s the deal: I love to walk, but some days, I just feel too lazy to get out there. And when I do lace up my runners, there are days I simply want to listen to the sounds of nature and enjoy the solitude and the view. Then there are walks where I put in my ear buds and listen to an audio book to keep me company. Michelle Obama’s memoir was a great book to listen to this way. Other times I might listen to music while I walk, and as much as I enjoy that, I feel a strong urge to walk to the beat of the song, which isn’t always possible.
The Solution? Easy peasy, I created a playlist of songs with the right beat for walking. It took an hour or so to compile a list of about 40 songs, but it was well worth the time. Now, I walk-dance my way along the waterfront path and nature trails with such joy in my heart, I simply need to share the experience with you.
Interested? Try this to walk-dance your way through the pandemic:
- I used Spotify to create a walking playlist on my phone, but you can make your playlist in your usual way. Check out each song before adding it, by test-walking the beat at home to see if it works for you. You can alter from fast to slower tunes if you like to change your stride while walking. Choose music that makes you feel good.
- When you go for your walk, wear ear buds and don’t be afraid to strut your stuff. Even if all you do is swing your arms and walk, make it jive with the beat of the music. You’ll find yourself smiling at everyone you meet and they’ll smile back – even if it’s behind a mask.
- There’s something quite exhilarating about putting one foot in front of the other to the beat of great songs like “California Girls,” by the Beach Boys, or ‘Dancing Queen,” by Abba, or ‘Handle with Care,” by The Traveling Wilburys. Yes I’m dating myself, but these are seriously cool walk-dancing songs, guaranteed to put a zip in your tired toes.
- As you get into the the groove and if you’re feeling the love, go with it! Sing along with the songs and who cares if people look at you? You’ll be feeling so blissful, everyone will wish they could be you in that moment.
Final word: The added bonus to all this is the positive effect on our well-being and happiness. Looking forward to our walks and giving us motivation to bundle up and get outside, can’t be anything but great for our physical and mental health. And coming back home with a smile in our hearts is all the reward we need for getting our daily exercise.
So let’s get out there and do this thing and walk-dance our way to happier days.
P.S…as an added bonus to my walk-dancing routine, I’ve been taking pictures of painted rocks, thanks to the artistic endeavours of several people in my neighbourhood. This is only one of the more than 100 pictures I’ve taken of these creative displays.
See you between the lines.
Pat Skene
I like to listen to the woods. Birds and leaves, whatever. Walking as much as I can. Thankfully with a dog!
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Good for you Lisa. Having a dog is a good motivator. Take care and be safe.
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I usually catch up on podcasts during my walks when I’m on sidewalks or paved walking paths. If I’m on the trail in the wooded conservation area behind our house, I use the time to listen to the river or the sounds of wind in the trees. Your idea of a walk-dance routine is intriguing as it will help me pick up my pace!
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Yes I think the walk dancing would be a great addition to your already wonderful walking routines. Be safe and enjoy!
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Lots of great tips for all the walkers out there, and good ones to entice new walkers to the group!
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I loved your new blog post. Very helpful for all the walkers out there, and you made it sound like fun too. Wish I could walk… 🙇♀️ Love, Mo xo
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks Mo, I wish you could too. 😘
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Love the song-samples you mentioned, Pat! Wish I could say I first heard them in high school! 🎶🎶
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Thanks Brad. Yes, I must admit, most of my podcast selections were from the oldies.
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Good Morning Pat It is nice to see a post from you and I am so glad all is well with you. My cousin David dated Janice… through the thick and thin of the relationship I was blessed to be a friend of your cousin. I cannot begin to tell you how much I miss her. Janice was extremely special and was so loyal to her family. I thought about all of you when it came to her memorial and no one was allowed to be there. Unfortunately I could not even go. Janice always spoke so fondly of you and now I am sure you have another Guardian Angel. I remember the year that Janice was diagnosed with cancer and her home alarm kept going off. David kept checking it and they could not figure out why it was going off. I told her that there were so many Angels in her home supporting her during her battle with cancer. Ironically, her mother’s ceramic Christmas Tree would also start playing music and I know it was a sign that she was there for her. I think that Christmas was so special for me as it brought back the magic. I miss Janice’s light, people would always comment about how good they felt around her. I hope that Janice has reconnected with Michael Birnie as I know he was the true love of her life. Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas. Dianna Blahey
“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sail.”
Bertha Calloway
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Hi Dianna: thanks so much for your note. Yes, I miss Janice so very much., and yes, I’m sure her house was full of angels. We love David and saw him several times with Janice at our family get togethers. Just a lovely man. I’m sure he misses her as well. He was so good to her during her illness. He keeps in touch with me from time to time. Hope you and your family are staying safe. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas filled with joy. Love the quote, thank you.
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Nice post, Pat, might even get me moving!
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Excellent Joyce. Enjoy! 🎶🎶🎶
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Love it Pat. Especially when you mention walking’ to The Travelling Wilbury’s!!
Easily my favourite of all “supergroups”. Hello George, Tom, Jeff, Roy and of course Bob. Only Dylan and Jeff Lynne left.
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Thanks John, I love the Wilburys. I’ve always been a fan of Bob Dylan.
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I like walking and painted rocks! The weather has been pretty cold this last week and is going to start snowing tomorrow, so I haven’t been out as much.
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Then it’s time to grab your walk-dancing snow boots and get your groove on grannyK. 😊
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