I walked every day for 30 days & here’s what happened…
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Flash back to the beginning of September, I was 4 months post partum & my eldest daughter had just started school. I had been struggling with a sore back & hips, brain fog & a lack of motivation. Now felt like the perfect opportunity to instil a new routine, stop making excuses and reclaim my wellness. Juggling a business, a toddler & a new born, life is busy, and my time is limited but I knew I needed to do something. Walking seemed to be the easiest and most accessible option. So I challenged myself to walk everyday, an attainable goal that was easy to fit into my schedule.
Here’s five things I have learnt;
- Walking forces you to slow down
In the gym I find I’m very focused on the exercise I’m doing & what I’m trying to achieve, it’s a great distraction and time out. Walking on the other hand gives me time to think, and process my thoughts, I feel I gain mental clarity from a walk. And on the days I don’t want to think I’ll put on a podcast or music & soak in the beauty & freshness of the outdoors.
- You’re more productive after a walk
In the same way, I found walking in the morning led to me having a much more productive day than if I didn’t. A morning walk for me is after the school run, so I can take the time to shift my mind into work mode, mentally plan the day & arrive back at the home office ready to go.
- Consistent walking has so many health benefits
We all know we’re supposed to do so many steps a day to ‘be healthier’, but how hard is that to achieve in an office based job! In the 30 days I’ve been consistently walking the pain in my back and hips has gone. My chocolate lab joined my challenge, he’s 9 years old and struggles with arthritis, I can see he has a spring in his step, plus he started climbing the stairs again, for the first time in forever!
- My jeans fit again!
I lost 4kg on the scales over the 30 days, disclaimer; I do eat a balanced diet & have ’baby’ weight to lose but it wasn’t shifting easily for me this time. The consistent cardio has led to steady & healthy weight loss & I’m delighted my jeans fit in time for winter!
- Making your goal achievable is key
I knew if it was too hard, I’d give up…my walks have been on average 2.5-3km and anywhere from 20-30 minutes long so it’s really easy to fit into my day. I can take my baby with me when I’m walking, so I’m not reliant on anyone else to help either. Bonus, she generally gets a good nap on route!
My walking outfit of choice is the Circle Edge Airflow Half Zip, and Bree Performance Leggings https://circleedge.ie/product/oat-unisex-half-zip/ & adidas Women’s V1 court bold shoes https://amzn.to/46OAmqF
Carrying my baby in the front pack, I really benefited from the cooling Airflow feature of the Half Zip Sweater. The hidden mesh panel and airflow vents did keep me comfortable. The days I chose to wear something else I could feel the difference, and finished the walks more flustered & sweaty! I live near the coast so the high collar & breathable cosy fabric of the half zip were a bonus to keep me protected from the strong wind.
It’s no secret that the Bree Performance Leggings are a favourite of mine! I love the firm hold of the fabric, and the fact it still moves with me & doesn’t fall down. I also highly rate the core support in the front waist, I’m not great at remembering to hold my core & I do find this helps.
I don’t have time to be changing my outfit multiple times a day, my Circle Edge Athleisurewear is great as I don’t feel out of place on the school run, I feel just as put together & stylish as the other mums, on the outside at least, haha.
A fresh spark for health & wellness
Before kids I was very fit & active, a regular gym goer and a lover of multi day hiking trips. This challenge has reignited a spark, and although that level of exercise may be out of reach for me right now due to lack of time & accessibility, I’ve learnt that consistent walking can give me the physical strength and health benefits, along with mental wellness that I need in my life right now. It’s not all about the big challenges, it’s about doing what works for you and being consistent with it.
The challenge has reminded me why Jo and I started Circle Edge Athleisurewear, to motivate women like me, to be the best version of ourselves and to strive to live healthier & happier lives.
We’d love to hear your thoughts, whether you wear Circle Edge or not, what motivates your fitness journey? Help us to inspire others by sharing your journey in the comments.