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.

#Walkabout Motivation: Zombies, Run!

It takes some prodding for me to get up and moving. I was never the little kid who jumped around and ran, so I know that incentivizing my fitness regimen is probably a good thing. I'd like to buy something pretty as a reward but that adds up too quickly and I'm in for the long haul with this new healthy lifestyle business. So, how can I liven up my workout? Music alone isn't going to cut it.

Ladies and gentleman, I introduce to you Zombies, Run! an app to get you running… away from the undead. It's a well-executed and immersive fitness role playing game and it's on half-price sale through Sunday April 8th for $3.99. A meager investment for your health and the fate of humanity, if you think about it.

As if that isn't enough, the geniuses (genii?) behind Zombies, Run! have just published a companion ebook, The Runner’s Guide, 75 pages of helpful hints and commentary that they are offering for FREE as a PDF and a multi-touch iBook. Find out more on the Zombies, Run! blog.

If running for my life doesn't work, I don't know what will, but just to be safe I also joined a gym today. Those zombies should be getting pretty nervous!

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 did write about this app because I believe it's a good way to stick to the fitness goals I have as a brand ambassador for the 28 Day #Walkabout campaign but I'm not entirely sure what Dr. Weil's stance on zombies is. I'll have to ask him about that sometime.