Spring Is a Great Time to Start Walking in Spokane!

Spring is on its way and there’s no better time to get out and walk Spokane.  While the official start of Spring isn’t until  March 20, 2010, the clear and sunny days this week are telling us that Spring is coming!    The glorious sights and sounds of  Spring will be evident in any Spokane walk.  Small shoots  peeking out from beneath the soil.   Bird song.   The feel of the sun upon one’s face.   A simple walk around the block  can be a joyous experience.  Take the dogs and the kids along too.  Everyone will be happier and healthier for it!

Walking In Spokane Doesn’t Have to Cost a Thing

One of the many great things about walking is that no special equipment is needed except, of course, a good pair of Spokane walking shoes.  If you don’t already own  a pair, any of the sports shops in the area can get you set up.  There are good shoes at every price point, though consider getting  the best you can afford.  Your feet will thank you.  Ask the salesperson about socks too.  Good socks can make a big difference in the way your feet will feel during and after  a long walk.  Ask about socks that prevent blistering.   If they are not available at your local store, they can be found at  REI and on line at various sites as well.

Walking in Spokane is Good for Your Health

The AARP  says “if a daily fitness walk could be put in a pill, it would be one of the most popular prescriptions in the world.”   (Well, that would surely be easy, but not nearly as fun.)

In addition to being  fun, the benefits of walking are numerous.  Walking can help you to manage weight, control blood pressure, decrease risk of heart attack, boost good cholesterol, and on and on.

Lots of Places To Walk Spokane

Spokane offers many areas to enjoy a great walk.   Most notable is the Centennial Trail which runs 37 miles from the Idaho border to Nine Mile Falls. The path is paved which makes it ideal for walkers, runners, skaters, and cyclists alike.

Another great walk is the Riverfront Park Loop.  Crossing five bridges, it’s a 3.6 mile walk through the park and along the Spokane River.

Spokane Walking Events

In addition to the walking you can do on your own, Spokane offers multiple organized events in which to be involved:

Bloomsday

Held the first Sunday in May,  Bloomsday is a 7.69 mile race drawing runners and walkers from all over.  It’s a fun event for individuals and families alike.

Spokane River Bridge Walk

The second annual bridge walk, sponsored by Spokane Parks and Rec, will be held June 5, 2010. The walk will begin at the NE end of the Monroe Street Bridge, continue through Riverfront Park and end at the fountain.

Spokane Summer Parkways

A new walking event is planned for this summer and it sounds like a lot of fun.  On July 11 and August 22, two miles of roadway from Howard Street at Riverfront Park to Corbin Park will be closed to vehicles.  The road will be  open to walkers, skaters and bike riders who can enjoy it without worrying about car traffic.  Events such as this have been held with great success all over the country and surely will be a popular one here in Spokane as well.

2010 Spokane Start Heart Walk

This event is scheduled for May 8, 2010.  It will begin and end near the Riverfront Park clock tower meadow, head over the river and through the park.  Walkers can chose a one or three mile course.

Many of these events require pre-registration.  Check them out on the internet so you won’t be disappointed.

Just Do It!

No matter your fitness level it should be fairly easy to get out and walk around your neighborhood.  Individuals with underlying health conditions or those who are considerably overweight should discuss your walking plan with your doctor as  is suggested before beginning any exercise program.

Those individuals planning to take on one of the longer Spokane walking events would do well to begin a training program in advance.  The best training program in the Spokane area is at Physzique.  Zach Hunt is helping people all over the area get in the best shape of their lives.  Take a look at this video and see for yourself!

With Bloomsday right around the corner, it seems an appropriate time to talk about walking for fitness in Spokane. While a lot of people think about running Bloomsday and watching it from various locations, an even greater number of people actually walk it instead.

I wanted to talk about walking for several reasons, not the least of which being the health benefits that can come from it.

Walking for Fun and Fitness in Spokane

According to an article I found by the Mayo Clinic, walking can produce the following benefits:

• It’s safe and easy (no practice needed)
• It’s low impact
• It can help put you in a better mood
• It can lower your LDL (or “lousy” cholesterol)
• It can help improve your HDL (or “happy” cholesterol)
• It can help lower blood pressure
• It can help you lose weight
• It can help reduce stress

Personally, walking would be worth it for the reduction in stress alone, but then, I have a pretty full household and it’s a great escape when I need a breather.

The Beauty of Walking in Spokane

The beauty of walking is that you can do it just about anywhere without any major special equipment. A good pair of walking shoes, weather appropriate clothing and you’re good to go.

Another great thing about walking for fun or fitness in Spokane is that you can do it with friends. Walking with friends is actually a fantastic way to catch up on each other’s goings on, get some fresh air and exercise and it’s also a terrific way to measure your stride.

When you are walking for fitness, you should be slightly breathless but not completely out of breath and still able to carry on a conversation. When you hit that point, you know you are walking at a good pace that will not only help burn calories but increase the other health benefits as well.

Spokane Walking Clubs

If you look for excuses to do things with your friends because there’s not enough time in the day (believe me, I am so there with you) then start a walking club. It’s a great reason to get together and you can even bring your kids with you if they’re still at home.

Our moms group at church goes to different Spokane Parks throughout the summer with the kids. Walking through some of the gardens is not only beautiful but refreshing and fun too. Everybody needs some beauty to look at.

If you’re working then form a group that can walk at lunch. Even 15 or 20 minutes of walking every day can be good for you. (Help you detox after your boss drives you crazy all morning!)

If you want to walk and don’t know where to start, find a good personal trainer to help you with your fitness plan. Zach Hunt at Physzique in Spokane is great at helping you work out a plan that’s right for you.

That way, you can start your own walking for fun and fitness in Spokane. Make strides!!