STEP BY STEP TO A
HEALTHIER YOU
Physical activity is directly related to good health. But
it isn't necessary to invest in fancy equipment or an expensive gym membership
to reap the benefits of activity. Walking is a common sense and cost-effective
do-anytime do-anywhere opportunity to exercise. Many experts agree that 15-30
minutes of moderate activity most days of the week effectively promotes good
health. Walking can fit the bill.
Walking contributes to healthy heart, lungs, bones, muscles, and
joints. It can be a mood enhancer, a stress reducer, and it can foster better
sleep patterns and ultimately lead to a healthier lifestyle. Your weight x
distance = energy used walking. That energy burns calories and assists in
weight management. Longer and moderately-paced walking ably targets weight
management. Shorter-length, faster-paced walking increases the heart rate and
can target heart and lung health.
But don't let the recommendations touting 'brisk walking' put a
damper on your efforts. Calories are burned at low speeds as well! The
stopping and starting - indicative of slower paces and intermittent walking -can
consume even more calories because it doesn't rely on momentum of a faster-paced
activity
Recent reports pinpoint a 10,000-steps-per-day ultimate
guideline for walking. Sound impossible?Not really. Grab a pedometer and check
it out. You might be closer than you think. Ditch the elevators and use the
stairs. Find the most distant spot in the parking lot. Make it a 'walking'
lunch hour. Don't just let the dog out - take the dog out for regular
walks. Visit a local museum. Be a mall walker. Get to know those paths at your
local park. Grab a partner and walk as you talk! Or spend some time alone so
that you can walk and talk with God.
 Not
sure where to walk? Consider becoming a “Circuit Strider” at Emmanuel Church.
Our congregation has been blessed over the past several years with our building
addition. This new space can provide a safe area for you to put your walking
shoes on. Three routes have been identified: an easier route around the main
level of our facility (4 laps is approximately ¼ mile in length); a second route
that includes two sets of stairs for a more aerobic walk (3 laps is
approximately ¼ mile in length); and a third route located outside around the
perimeter of our building and parking lot (2 laps is approximately ¼ mile in
length).
The church is open Monday thru Thursday from 8AM until noon, and
various evenings during the week for meetings and rehearsals. Please sign the
“Circuit Strider” log located on the front of the Welcome Desk so that we know
you are in the building. A “Circuit Strider” map is located in the narthex on
the door near the Powley Center Collection Center. This map shows the three
routes available.
The “Circuit Strider” name comes from the early Methodist
preachers, called “Circuit Riders”, who would travel by horseback between the
several congregations that they would care for. Our “Circuit Striders” won’t
need a saddle or riding gear for their route ... just a good pair of walking
shoes and a desire to do something to keep active and help pave the road to
better health.
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