Walking is a motion that propels the body forward and in return increases muscle activity. There is tremendous evidence that shows how important it is to engage in extensive physical exercise but in today’s busy yet sedentary life many people find no time to participate in physical activities. It is highly advisable that people walk not only because of the benefit it has on the physical body but also mental health. It is not surprising that people develop a need to start walking (Alfonzo, 2005). And, it is that need that drove me to go out walking on campus at around midday when technically everyone wanted to avoid the hot midday sun. I just wanted to go out and get a cold drink as I could use this opportunity to chat with my friends. It feels good to know that the desire or need to walk develops from within especially when one wants to do something for themselves.
With reference to the socio- ecological model, it becomes clear that there are many underlying circumstances that cause a person to make a decision to walk. Culture or the company one keeps can influence their decision to walk (Alfonzo, 2005). For instance, if one has a group of friends who have a reason for going to the other side of campus even when it is chilly or hot then there is a high probability that they can withstand adverse weather conditions and start walking. Besides, the affordance of the ability to walk plays a crucial role in determining whether a person will take a chance at walking or not. One also needs to have a reason for walking, and that is enough to motivate them to engage in it (The Guardian, 2010). It could be walking a pet, seeking to find inspiration from their walk or even physical benefit.
It is also imperative to note that there exist many physical features that might influence a person and offer them an opportunity to start walking. That leads to the argument of affordance of the pleasure or need to start walking (Bond, 2006). For instance, as a student, I am expected to walk every day because I have to move from one point to another. I have to move from one class to another, and that may not necessitate the use of a motor vehicle. Mine is not a matter of selection; I cannot choose to walk or not to because I should do so because it is mandatory. Circumstances play a very pivotal role in determining whether a person may choose to walk or not. When going to the cafeteria on campus, it is only prudent that one takes their time to walk there because that offers a person the ability to meet and talk to their friends.
Through the knowledge acquired in this class and the experience I have had with my engagement in walking, I have come to appreciate the fact that walking has very many benefits for the individual and the wider community where they live. My attention was drawn to my experience because I was more into how I felt about my experience and how I was going about it. It felt freshening and really nice especially with my company In the end, I came to realize how important it is to walk and how effective it can be when one decides to have walking as an enjoyable physical activity and one that is easy and manageable as long as one creates time for it. I observed that those who were walking around me were young people most of whom belonged to the age of eighteen and twenty five. They too were in no hurry and were taking their time to walk slowly because it was a bit hot. The experience made me appreciate nature, the people around me and their behavior and type of walking because there were those who were in a hurry while others were slow.
References
Alfonzo, M. A. (2005). To Walk or Not to Walk? The Hierarchy of Walking Needs. Journal of Environment and Behavior. PDF File
Bond, M. (2006). The new Rules of Posture: How to Sit, Stand, and Move in the Modern World. Rochester: Healing Arts Press.
The Guardian. (2010). In Praise of the daily Walk: A Brisk Half Hour Walk a Day Will Keep You healthy- and sane- say Researchers. Eight People Reveal What Walking Means to Them. PDF File
