‘These Shoes Are Made For Walking’! They Walk, They Talk At Kadri Park
“These Boots (Shoes) are made for walking, And that’s just what they’ll do. One of these days these boots (shoes), Are gonna walk all over you. Are you ready Boots (shoes)? Start Walking…”—Singer Nancy Sinatra
Mangaluru: That’s right–put on those shoes and get ready for that great healthy walk, and for that, there is no other better place than KadriPark. The Kadri Park is an ideal location for anyone- seniors, adults, young and kids to have a leisure stroll. Decades ago, this park was not used much by walkers, but lately, with the change in health lifestyle, and also after much renovation done at the park, 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 nature.
Kadri Park is the City’s safest and most desirable walking locations since it offers a couple of kilometres walking path which is suitable for both those who can withstand an only short period of exercises and endurance and those speed walkers who want to cover the extra distance at once. 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.
Kadri Park is also a natural magnet for dog owners and their furry little friends. I have seen quite a few walkers in the evening, where ‘man’s best friends’ enjoy the walk-path along with their owners. I sometimes take my Daschund puppy “Oobama” for a walk with me and he likes it very much, but the only problem is that I have to take quick breaks to my walking spree every now and then, since ”Oobama” likes sniffing the path-way all the way, then stops few times, to pee? Thank God there are no fire hydrants at the park -You know what I mean? While I have my healthy walk, ”Oobama” also enjoys the open outdoors, rather than being in his doghouse. So, walking benefits a man, and ‘ man’s best friend’ also.
A stroll in the park could do wonders- taking in the sights and sounds of nature appear 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 fresh, and enjoy the surroundings. Walking is of course very good for your health; it can help you relax and best of all, it’s 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.
I asked a few morning walkers at the Kadri Park, as to what they have to say about their morning walk and its benefits : Deepak Hegde, team leader of the “Kadri Nature Walkers” said, “We have been walking for the past 12 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. My advise to anyone is that walking is the best exercise one could go for a healthy life. If I can do it, others also can. Few other members of “Kadri Nature Walkers” namely Dr Vishnu Prabhu, Prakash Manai, Jeevraj Shetty, Aravind Shetty, Raghuchandra Shetty, Dr Rajesh and Santhosh Rai 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 “.
Dr Vishnu Prabhu 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 exercises can help you achieve a number of important health benefits. Walking can help you: Lower low-density lipo-protein (LDL) cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol); Raise high-density lipo-protein (HDL) cholesterol (the “good” 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. Research shows that regular, brisk walking can reduce the risk of heart attack by the same amount as more vigorous exercise, such as jogging. Start walking and feel the difference”
Sushma who is four-months pregnant says, ” I walk a little, then I do some physical exercises. It makes me feel good, and relieves me from all the stress and anxiety”. I bet Sushma’s offspring will be one healthy and active kid when it comes into this world. Laxman, a 78-year-old grandpa of 12 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, it’s 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 “. Also, Nelson Monteiro and Denis Lobo, who walk together early in the morning also feel that their daily walk has helped their health and physique and help them start their day fresh and be active.
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 the 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, and 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. Happy Walking and Stay Healthy!