Walkabout 2013 - Join the 28-day Quest for Good Health

This time last year, I was starting the Walkabout Quest for Good Health, a 28 day journey to jumpstart well-being through walking. Walkabout 2013 starts on Wednesday, April 3rd and I would encourage anyone who wants to improve their physical and mental condition to join in.

What exactly IS Walkabout? A Walkabout is an Australian journey for well-being, during which one seeks to clarify his/her life purpose. It is a time of reflection and to reconnect with family and community.  Our version of Walkabout is inspired by the Aussies and aims to improve physical and mental well-being, while creating healthy habits over the course of 28 days.

Are You Walking the Right Way? 

Tips from Dr. Andrew Weil

Walking is an ideal way to get daily exercise - it strengthens almost every major organ in the body, promotes optimal bone density, and boosts the immune system. But have you considered how to best put one foot in front of the other? Your walking habits can have an impact on how much benefit you get from each outing. 

Maximize the benefit from your daily walks:

• Walk with your head erect. Look ahead and train your sight 10 to 20 feet ahead of you. If you need to check the ground to avoid obstacles, lower your eyes, not your head, and try not to thrust your trunk forward or let your arms dangle listlessly at your sides
• Keep your back straight. Stretch your spine so your shoulders are level and square, and tuck your buttocks in
• Bend your arms. Flex your elbows at close to 90-degree angles and let your arms swing at waist level
• Take shorter, measured steps, with your feet striking the ground with the heel and pushing off with the toes. Too long a stride can throw you off balance

For more information, read the Healthy Footnotes blog and follow the #Walkabout2013 hashtag on your social media channels.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that no compensation was provided and all opinions are, as usual, my own. I was a brand ambassador for last year's 28 Day #Walkabout campaign and have received products in the past.