From Roadside to Beach-side, ‘Kadri Park Walkomaniacs’ take a stroll on Tannirbhavi Stretch

From Roadside to Beach-side, ‘Kadri Park Walkomaniacs’ take a stroll on Tannirbhavi Stretch

Mangaluru: A stroll/walk in the park, road or beach-side could do wonders- taking in the sights and sounds of the nature appears to be especially beneficial for our minds. Interacting with nature can be therapeutic for people with disorders including depression and anxiety. Walking is an ideal way to discover the spectacular scenery, feel the fresh, and enjoy the surroundings. Walking is of course very good for your health; it can help you relax and best of all, its free ! Walking can be a solo journey, but walking with a companion can keep walk interesting and keep you motivated. Talking and walking can enhance the existing relationship, spending more time with someone you already care about, or with your best friend where you can share your fun news and views. A stroll in the park or a jog, is always an invigorating and entertaining activity.

And for that matter, here we have a group of energetic and active people who under the banner of “Kadri Park Walkomaniacs” took a 10 km walk on the Tannirbhavi Stretch, which included walking by the Tannirbhavi roadside and Tannirbhavi Beach-Side. While most of the people were still on their beds hugging their pillows or their partners, but for these dozen of ‘Early Risers”, an “Early Morning” walk was an adventurous and fun-loving activity. Assembling at the Tannirbhavi Beach parking lot well before 6 am, these “Walkomaniacs” started on their walking mission in order to cover a distance of 10 km walking spree on the Roadside, and ending their Mission on the Beach-Side. And Yours Truly happened to be their Official Photographer, as the Group addresses me.

The Walkers were predominately of mixed professions, comprising of Prakash Manai (Entrepreneur), Siraj Ahmed (Builder/MD-Inland Builders), Deepak Prasad Hegde (Entrepreneur), Dr Vishnu Prabhu (Eye Specialist/Private Clinic), Dr Nagaraj Shetty (Physician, A J Hospital), Dr Rajesh K B (Dentist/Private Clinic), Ram Ratan Naik (Businessman), Raghuchandra Shetty (Chartered Accountant), Jeevraj Shetty (Industrialist), Aravind Shetty (Realtor/Real Estate), and Dr Sachidananda Rai (Orthopaedic, Unity hospital)

While this group has taken a decision for New Year 2019 to walk along the Tannirbhavi stretch during the weekend, on a Sunday, and during weekdays they still enjoy the goodness that Kadri Park and its vicinity has to offer. The Kadri Park is an ideal location for anyone- seniors, adults, young and kids to have a leisure stroll. Kadri Park has encouraged more and more people to enjoy the health and social benefits of regular brisk walking. This Park also gives people to get out in the mornings or evenings to enjoy the beauty of the nature. For those with limited walking ability because of age, infirmity or disability, the Park has paths with better surfaces and no stiles. For those who wish to enjoy leisurely walks, especially with strollers or children, the green spacious lawn is ideal-you can have family games or get-together on the lawn. Whether you are visiting Kadri Park for the first time or are a frequent park-goer, you can learn fascinating facts about the Park’s history and its role in the City’s culture.

Speaking to Team Mangalorean, the leader of the group, Prakash Manai said, “Me and my friends have been walking for the past 14 years, in and around Kadri Park , and along the stretch of Circuit House. My morning walks have improved my breathing, good blood circulation through veins, reduced my cholesterol and also has controlled my blood pressure. Morning walk makes me and my friends feel fresh, healthy and makes us physically fit, since for the rest of the day. This year for a change we have decided to walk along the roadside and beach side at Tannirbhavi, in order to the fresh air and feeling of the clear blue waters. My advice to anyone is that walking is the best exercise one could go for for a healthy life. If I can do it, others also can”.

Also speaking Siraj Ahmed said ” We have been walking together here for over a decade. Walking is the best physical exercise that we have come across. There is not much strain or harm on the body. Walk makes us feel better and keeps us physically fit. It has also shown some tremendous improvement in our health conditions. We love to walk. My advise to the readers of Mangalorean.com is-start the practice of walking- it is a good exercise and good for health too “. Cyprian, a 80 year old grandpa of 8 grand kids said, ” Although I started to walk two years back, it has shown great improvement in my health ailments–I have reduced my cholesterol and my blood pressure is getting down to normal. I sometimes walk at the park with my grand kids, its fun and a blessing to have them and mingle with them. Only if I had started walking long back I would have been more healthy and active. Walking does help “.

Dr Sachidananda Rai said, “Walking is a low-impact exercise with numerous health benefits. Walking is a gentle, low-impact exercise that can ease you into a higher level of fitness and health. Walking is a form of exercise accessible to just about everybody. It’s safe, simple and doesn’t require practice. And the health benefits are many. Walking, like other exercise, can help you achieve a number of important health benefits. Walking can help you: Lower Cholesterol; Lower your blood pressure; Reduce your risk of or manage type 2 diabetes; Manage your weight; Improve your mood; Stay strong and fit. All it takes to reap these benefits is a routine of brisk walking. It doesn’t get much simpler than that. And you can forget the “no pain, no gain” talk. Start walking and feel the difference”

While going through a book on Walking Benefits, I found out that walking isn’t likely to lead to injuries as other types of exercise. Still, take time to prepare yourself to prevent injuries, such as blisters or muscle pain. For that you need to get the right walking gear- Be sure to wear comfortable footwear. Choose shoes with proper arch support, a firm heel and thick flexible soles to cushion your feet and absorb shock. Before you buy a new pair, be sure to walk in them in the store. Also dress in loose fitting, comfortable clothing and in layers if you need to adjust to changing temperature. If you walk outside, choose clothes appropriate for the weather. Avoid rubberized materials, as they don’t allow perspiration to evaporate. Walking is a great exercise because it’s so simple to do. But using the correct posture and movements is essential.

Spend about five minutes walking slowly to warm up your muscles. You can walk in place if you want. Increase your pace until you feel warm. After warming up, stretch your muscles before walking. Include the calf stretch, quadriceps stretch, hamstring stretch and side stretch. To reduce stress on your heart and muscles, end each walking session by walking slowly for about five minutes. Then, repeat your stretches.

The good news is that walking — even only a modest amount — provides health benefits. For maximum benefits, work your way up to 30 to 60 minutes a day within your target heart rate zone, most days of the week. To achieve these benefits, it can help to set goals, track your progress and take steps to stay motivated. Set realistic goals for yourself, such as 30 minutes five days a week. But when you think of the potential health benefits, it’s well worth your effort. Over time you’ll likely feel more invigorated. To stay motivated: Make it fun- If you don’t like walking alone, invite your spouse, partner, friend or neighbor to join you. You might also join a health club and use a treadmill. Vary your routine – Plan several different walking routes for variety.

Sometimes things happen to keep you from sticking to a regular walking program. Don’t be too hard on yourself when this happens. You don’t have to let a few days off sabotage your plan to reach a higher level of fitness and improved health. Just revisit your goals and get walking. You’ll be glad you started your walking spree -Even though the first steps of any journey can be the most difficult, it helps to keep your goals foremost in your mind. So remember, once you take that first step, you’re on the way to an important destination — BETTER HEALTH. Just like the members of “Kadri Park Walkomanics” who have taken Walking as a Hobby for a better and Healthy lifestyle, why don’t you also follow in their footsteps and make a difference in your lifestyle. Happy Walking and Stay Healthy!