Cor's Corner Summer 2024 - Fitness Incentive

“The best thing about it is all you have to do is show up. The rest just happens.“

Katie Galfano

Walk. Just Walk.

The Many Rewards of Simply Walking

I’ve stressed the importance of walking for overall well-being for many years. Why? It improves mood, lowers insulin, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of chronic disease, obesity, reflux, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea—to name a few. The list is nearly endless.

And it’s easy!

Find some like-minded people who’ll stay committed, accountable, and consistent. The relationships you’ll build during walks provide mutual support and advice, a space to listen, to be compassionate, and to start your day off right.

I’m ready early in the morning, raring to go at any hour. I have a steady 5 am group and then a 6 am group. Walking in the very early morning never interferes with my family; generally, they are still asleep, and when I get back, if my hubby wants to go for a walk, I go again! Walking is something that fulfills me in so many ways, so honestly, it is a no-effort activity.

Feel the Power!

My walking groups are made up of some of the most intriguing, powerful, mentally stimulating, and physically strong women I know. Not only do we all get the benefits of fresh air, nature, sky, and sunlight, but an increase in mental alertness, positive mood, and energy that is palpable. We all feel it! Of course, some people like to walk solo or with their pets to stay quiet within their own minds. That’s fine as well, but not for me; I need friendships and conversation. But whatever walk works for you, walk.

It really doesn’t matter if it’s fast or slow, long or short, intense or easy. The benefits are good any way you choose to do it. Enjoy your surroundings and the people you’re with. Add laughter, and your day will be even better.

Stay Safe!

Remember, safety is always a consideration; reflector vests and lights are essential for early morning and evening walks. On days when the weather doesn’t cooperate, get on an indoor cycle, treadmill, or elliptical—by yourself or, better still, with your group of friends.

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop!

One more thing that keeps me walking is that regular walks keep me energized and improve my performance as an instructor and business owner. It enables me to stay better focused, mentally balanced, and even stronger as I age.

When it comes to walking, my motto is: Just go! You’ll never regret a walk with amazing people!

Speaking of amazing people, let me introduce Katie Galfano, one of my regular walking buddies…

Katies Experience…

Getting up early can be challenging, especially when it’s still dark and the leftover dampness anticipates the first rays of sunlight. Yet, when the first item on my morning agenda is a brisk walk with friends, it’s something I always look forward to. Morning walks with Cor are a truly holistic experience. It’s choosing to start your day with a win. As Cor puts it, “You never regret starting your day with a walk.” It’s a simple morning walk, but there’s nothing ordinary about it. It checks all the boxes and then some.

My morning walks with Cor are primarily a time for exercise, of course. But they’re also filled with storytelling, advice-sharing, and tender, raw sentiments that lift my emotional barometer in a most satisfying way. There are no limits to the conversations and no bounds to the support generated by this sophisticated and comforting group of women. The dialogue, which is unprocessed and authentic, stretches organically throughout our time together. During each outing, I learn something new about living a healthy lifestyle through fitness and nutrition, but most valuably, about navigating my life.

Significant research exists on the benefits of getting up early, exercising, and eating healthily, but when combined with the secret ingredient of stimulating discussion, it is utter magic. It’s phenomenal how a group of very different women connected by a simple activity (and by Cor) can become so rooted in lifting each other through openness and humanness.

When I depart from the walk, I feel nourished from the inside out. Its effects may seem subtle, but the feeling is pure and unmistakable. The residual effect is a wholesomeness that carries me through my day and balances the mundaneness of a daily routine otherwise cluttered with ever-expanding responsibilities. It’s a growth experience, where each time, I leave feeling a little stronger, a little wiser, and content to my core.

The best thing about it is all you have to do is show up. The rest just happens.