As the warmth of spring approaches, the soul brightens. The need for physical activity arises, the senses become heightened, and the desire to please increases. The days become longer, and everything slowly awakens from its winter slumber. The warming sun reduces the synthesis of melatonin, the sleep hormone, while bright light increases the production of serotonin, the so-called happiness hormone.
As science knows, a lack of sunlight causes apathy, fatigue, depression, and self-pity. Apparently, the need for support and warmth, for someone to hug and warm us, is also linked to an ancient survival instinct dating back to the Ice Age. The season of snowfalls and Antarctic blizzards is over, so, in keeping with prehistoric traditions, it's time to emerge from the centrally heated caves into the open world of spring.
Ah, what can I do to welcome spring? Sure, I could sit there like a dreamy old stump and wait out the flood for a couple more months. But it's better to straighten my shoulders and slim down like a birch tree, so everyone will gasp. Since my body is exhausted from vitamin deficiency and not ready for exercise or drastic changes, the best option for vitality and a toned figure is to go on foot somewhere or to get something.
“To the bathhouse,” “to the forest,” “where Makar didn't drive,” and more delicate, unspecified places for walking won't work in our case.
Let's look at popular walking styles and routes we know well, and how they can be used for beauty and health.
• Quick walk to the desired destination (work, bus stop, college, sale).
Are you in a hurry? Running late? Great, build up your pace gradually. Focus on the distance. Maintain a rhythmic breathing pattern; counting mentally or out loud—one-two, one-two—is helpful. If you're running at a faster pace, which puts strain on your heart and circulation, experts recommend taking short, deep breaths through your nose and long exhalations through your mouth. You can use your arms to help, like a skier or speed skater—it's great for developing your pectoral muscles.
• Stomping around the escalator in the subway during rush hour.
Having trouble walking through a subway underpass or near an escalator? Try “Penguin” walking in place. This practice is great for developing your calf muscles, preventing varicose veins, and strengthening your joints. For added effect, alternately pull your right toe toward you and then back.
• Walking-dancing while waiting for your turn or the bus.
Have you been waiting for this? Let's review Latin, specifically the basic steps of the Cha-Cha-Cha. The Time Step, the New York Step, and the open/closed position—these characteristic movements of this dance are easy to master after a couple of days of practice. This way, you can release muscle tension, improve your overall flexibility, and harmonize your psycho-emotional state.
• Walking down the hallway with a mobile phone.
Got an important call? Use the space for a Tai Chi energy step, conveniently moving your phone away from your ear or closer to it as you change position. By following the correct technique and parameters for your legs, you restore vital energy circulation. These exercises also improve sexual function and rejuvenate the body overall.
• Walking in circles around a confined area looking for your mobile phone.
Lost something? A half-split step can come in handy. Yoga asanas can be used here. The balance of mind and body you'll achieve through these exercises will help you remember where and what you put, as well as why you came here and into this world.
• Walking with obstacles while moving or cleaning.
Moving, renovating, or cleaning? How lucky! Not every ninja gets such an opportunity to hone their martial arts. Bends, arches, long and high jumps over boxes, bags, bowls of glue, jars of nails, and taut wires—so much variety and imagination in movement! All of this will help develop coordination and balance.
• Educational hike with your pet and other household members.
Haven't seen your family and friends in a while? Show them your school, the fence you used to jump over, or your favorite window where you used to draw on the pavement. If your family finds such a tour tiring, take your pet for a walk—a dog, cat, or hamster—or borrow a friend's pet. This will help alleviate depression, normalize blood pressure, and develop inner charm.
• Race walking – a tour of a museum or a supermarket.
Nothing to focus on? Go to an art or food exhibition. Like in biathlon, you need to walk the course, stop, sit or lie down, then aim and hit the target accurately. Since you won't be allowed into a museum or supermarket with a gun or skis, we'll wear comfortable footwear—boots, shoes, or slippers, if you prefer—and shoot with a confident gaze. This type of training helps keep your body in shape and develops concentration.
• Scrambling to get to the dentist, tax inspector, or boss.
Called to the mat? It's time for some strength training. Put on some weighted shoes, hang a couple of kettlebells around your neck, grab a couple of dumbbells, and get energized and ready to move forward! After the meeting, shedding the weight will provide temporary relief and relaxation before the next workout, and it will also strengthen your muscles and immune system.
• Jumping on a date with a slow motion effect.
Going on a date? No need to walk – just hop a few laps around the meeting place, a cancan that will leave everyone in the audience mesmerized. It's an excellent way to burn excess fat, calories, and any doubts. Don't forget to switch up your tactics and approach your desired object smoothly and casually, using a slo-o-o-mo effect – this will restore your heart rate and a healthy sense of realism.
I wish you a spring mood and a light gait!