I used to walk quite a bit and used the time to listen to worship music and pray. This winter the cold weather has kept me inside and my body and my relationship with God are starting to feel the effects. After reading your blog, and recieving a prompt from my doctor I'm heading out this week I'm taking up the walking challenge!

Christine

I've been walking with Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds video since mid-January. I love it! And I've lost 12 lbs! I'm going to try her Pilates video next to supplement the walking.

Here's my week:
Saturday: 1 hour Irish Step class (definitely a workout!)
Sunday: Easter, so I'm not even considering it. :)
Monday: 1 hour practice Irish step with another mom while our boys tap dance.
Tuesday: outside for 30 min. (?) to throw rocks off soon-to-be pasture.
Wednesday: errand day. Does grocery shopping with 3 kids count for anything?
Thursday: More rock picking -- with 3-yr-old daughter, so not strenuous; but at least I was away from food!
Friday: Hmmm ... that's today ... I might go outside, but it's snowing right now and I want a nap while my daughter naps. :)
Thanks for listening. And thanks for the challenge!

Hi-
My co-workers and i have found a way to stay motivated- We have a conference room with a tv in it that no one hardly ever uses. We have been doing Leslie Sansone's video now for 11 weeks- 4 to 5 times a week. We've had to vary it just to keep it interesting. But what we've found is that we inspire each other. When i don't feel like excersing - one of the other ladies will say com'on we'll only do a 2 mile instead of a 3 or 4 mile. I pray we continue to keep it up. But either way- We're off to a good start. TEAMWORK!

I have been trying to start walking for two weeks now and between baseball games and practices I have found no time for walking, I am going to maybe try to use my lunch hour, we will see, keep you informed

I wear an Omron HJ-112 pedometer 24/7. It motivates me to move. My minimum goal is 15000 steps a day--That's about 7 miles. If at the end of my work day, I don't have my 15000 steps in, I grab a book and walk around the block as I read. If it is raining, or too cold, I will walk in place as I read. I also walk in place as I iron, fold clothes and put away laundry. Since January 2007 when I weighed over 220, I have lost over 50 pounds. Walking works.

I began walking before work on a regular basis about 15 years ago. I walk 2 miles each morning on my treadmill and take my walk outside on the weekends so I can take my dog. Time permitting I may also get out in the evenings after dinner for a short walk through the neighborhood. I will be 55 this year and want to keep moving. Walking in the morning gives me an opportunity to pray, helps wake me up and keeps me energized.

It is so awesome to read that you didn't just start walking and you were automatically in the habit! That's what most people make it seem like and I always think something must be wrong with me. It gives me hope to know I'm not the only one. Now I'm going to try again this week. Thanks for the motivation!

Wow. I was looking around different websites trying to get some comfort and a place where I could read about some women in my same situation. I've been walking lately about three times a week and I go to the gym the other two; I keep my weekends for errands and relax. I would like to join you all. i live in Orlando, Fl so I don't have a snow issue; in other words I don't have any excuse to "vegetate". I hope I can follow you. Blessings to all of you.

Last year a group in our county sponsored a walking challange, I tried to hang in there but only made the minimum milage because of knee problems. This year it will only be a two month challange but think I will be able to participate more. I am really looking forward to it. Also as spring is trying to get a hold on the countryside (today we have 40 mph wind gusts), I am looking forward to getting outside to walk, fresh air and a good walk also do wonders for the spirit.
Thank you for challanges to our physical bodies as well as our spiritual side.

I love to walk. Even here in a rain forest climate where we have four basic seasons (Almost Raining, Raining, Just Finished Raining and Construction), I get with my faithful canine companion and we hit the sidewalks for 3 - 5 miles a day, usually 6 days a week. Sunlight pending, I get out early in the morning before anyone else is awake.

Evie, my yellow Lab, and I come back invigorated and ready to face the day. We both miss our walks on days when it's too icy to get out safely!

Thank you for the day by day. I am walking 20 min miles with Leslie and doing 4000+ steps aday. Not losing yet, frustrating! But I keep going or trying. I am finding that I have more energy, good think with two girls (10/6 years)
My goal to to step 6500 by end of day, for now. I know GOD is helping me. I would like to find a bible verse to help me stay on track.
Thanks for reading my posting. GOD BLESS.

I want to walk through this week but I feel imprisoned by my own self worth. I have been walking and lost weight however my self-esteem is low and I am thinking of irrational things to do to my body.I feel pressured by society and by some of my accaquaitnces. Why can't I be happy with the way God made me? I am always comparing and never satisfied. I am negative and never happy with what I have got. Walking heals the moment yet for me throughout the day is a struggle. I want to walk with my head up high and thank God for what he gave me.How can I do this?

I have been feeling rotten all day about my lack of commitment to this and actually getting out to walk. I finally made it over to my computer after a day on the couch and self loathing and can't belive how many other women stuggle with the motivation. I work three jobs and have a home to run, exercise is just one more thing to feel guilty aobut when I can't get it all done. Reading your posts has actually inspired me and reminded me I really am not so alone. I will be up early tomorrow for a walk. Thank you ladies for all of you inspiration.

I started walking when I was informed by my doctor that I was pre-diabetic. My Mom has type II and my doctor was concerned. She instructed me to watch my carb intake and to get a minimum of 30 minutes a day cardio. Walking is a wonderful way to get in activity and spend time with God.

I've been walking for over a year now. There are days it is really tough and I just don't want to do it, but those are the days that my walks seem to benefit me the most. I love,love,love Leslie Sansone. We have a group at our church who get together and walk with her. Some of the husbands have even started walking with Leslie. She is so inspirational/motivational. Keep up the good work.

Thank you for this post! After my morning prayer & just before my devotions w/God; I'm able to do some stretch exercises along with some push-ups Monday thru Friday. This gets me ready for my daily walk w/Jesus on part of my lunch hour. I love this time each day. Winter months & inclement weather I stay inside and walk on the vacant floor in our building, plus our first floor is like a maze from "D" building to "E" building connected (every nook & cranny). And, spring & summer (before it gets too hot) I walk outside throughout our whole office complexes (others have caught on too). I call it my "walking w/Jesus" because I use that time for praise/worship & magnifying him while I'm walking. It is so refreshing & energizing & it also, lifts any burdens I may have off of me. I love being outdoors to walk. In the heat of the summer, if it gets a little too muggy by noon & I can't get out earlier in the morning, I'll walk in the parking structure, keeps it a little cooler (car fumes & all--LOL). What an experience & a RUSH (of the full-filling of the Holy Spirit on you)!! Because I love doing this, I walk alone, because if you see or hear me (waving my arms & hands in praise--when no one human is looking), you'd think I was crazy, again, LOL. I do this Monday thru Friday, and this keeps my weekends free to be w/ family & friends or whatever I'd like to do. My advantage is I don't have small children at home now, just my husband & I. He walks/run on Saturday mornings. I just want to share this last thing: I was walking around last spring and my goal was to lose some pounds, because I really needed to and this was my prayer. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and said: "don't worry about pounds or inches coming off right down, praise God for my heart pumping good, blood circulating thru my limbs, and anything else that keeps me in good health everyday" and I praise him for that daily, when I walk w/Jesus, because for a person, like myself, who is menopausal, I'm only on vitamins daily (which I have been for years) and maybe a pain reliever every down & then when I just have to. So, Praise the Lord with me and keep your focus on exercising & walking w/Jesus, whether you do it alone or with others! If I lose some weight - great - but I don't worry about it or weigh myself.

To Michelle - A trip to the doctor wouldn't hurt. You could be suffering from depression, which has nothing to do with being disciplined; it's a chemical imbalance in the brain. Also, spend considerable amounts of time in prayer. Believe me, God will help you through this. Good luck!

I'm coming from a different perspective. I am a group exercise instructor and working out is as much a part of my life as breathing! Let me encourage those of you that have trouble sticking to a routine to perhaps try to do this as a group activity, I've found that when people exercise with a group they are more likely to stick with their program. There is something about the socialization of the group that is a major motivational force! If you can get a group of friends together to walk - if that doesn't work and you can afford it join and gym and either take classes or get on the treadmill and smile to the person next to you. Some of my closest relationships starting in exercise class.

I also want to encourage you to love the body God gave you. Instead of worrying about your weight focus on eating well and keeping active. We are all not all built like Greyhounds....some of us are St. Bernards, some mastiffs, some mini Poodles.... God made us all different and you're only going to make yourself miserable if you try to attain someone else's standard......after all the only standard that matters is God's!

My main motiviation to get off the couch and walk is I have 2 Golden Retrievers, Maddie is 10 and Faith is a 1 year old who has so much energy. We walk anywhere from 2 to 4 miles a day and we all love it. Of course there are days that I would rather stay in because it is cold or wet, but once we get out it feels so good to get that fresh air and know that I am doing something that is good for me as well as my "girls".

One thing that really helps me while walking, my husband bought me an i-pod and it is great to be listening to Christian music while walking. I get lost in the words and focus on Gods grace and the blessings I have in my life. If I want to step it up, I just forward to some real upbeat songs. One of my favortie memories this winter, listening to Michael W. Smiths Christmas album while it was snowing. It was wonderful!

Also wear pedometer and track your miles and time. You would be surprised how far you go, once you get going.

Ask the Lord for help to get going and He will.

Blessing to you!

I have been reading all of the comments about walking. I need to loose 15 pounds and I know walking is the best (along with dieting). My knees are hurting and I know If I would walk it would help them. I am 67 and retired for 14 years. Thanks for all of the good comments about walking....

Last week I was praying to God concerning weight loss, excersize, depending on Him, and how all this worked together and forHis benefit. The next day I saw the article about Leslie Sansone and knew this what He wanted me to do. So I went to the store and found her Walking at Home video (3 miles) and have only missed one day since I started last Saturday March 29, 2008. The day I missed I had to go to the doctors for a colonoscopy, not fun (too tired that day lol). I feel so good when I do her workout and closer to God. I know I am doing what he has told me. God has told me to let Him worry about how He is going to get the glory for my weight loss. Praise God for all He can do.

I started running about 9 mo ago with my 23 year old daughter. I turned 53 in January. I actually have stayed more consistent then she has. When we first started I was huffing and puffing and could barely get half way around the block at first. but I stayed the course and am so glad. Our goal was to run inRace for the Cure in honor of my dad who recently died. And we did it and I just signed up for another 5k next sunday. I listen to praise music when I run and if the weather is too bad or icey I do have a Nordic Track in my basement. But if it is 25 degrees and not windy I am out there I was taking Lipitor every day annd my cholestrol went down so much that i only take it 3 days a week now! So all and all it is a great accomplishment for me

Hmmm...I'm reading all these comments and then I don't feel so guilty. I used to do exercise regularly and then I just stopped. That was also when I started gaining weight. We have diabetes in the family, so that SHOULD be more than enough motivation for me to do exercise. So last week I started walking again. It also helps to walk off the stress from work and part-time studies. I am going to lose that 5 kgs that I gained this past year!

i would like to be a part of this group. i do have a problem with my back and use a cane but when possable i do try to walk. to day i walked with my husband grandsons and dog. took me 30 minutes to walk around the block but i made it i was kind of tired to but the dr said walking would be good for me
sharon

Wow, I feel pretty exhausted right now, but I am still really hopeful that my commitment will pay off soon. I am a tax accountant and I am stuck in front of my computer way too many hours a day. HOWEVER, I have been motivated enough to get myself out of bed (many mornings, but not all) and do some aerobic exercise. Even if I don't finish or do it every day, I feel better doing what I can. It also keeps me motivated to get back to it. I have 10 more days to go and I will have freedom. I really hope to be more committed to exercise and eating healthier. I have at least 35lbs to lose.... but I can do it with God's help.

Ps. Kristine: you sound like you are from the Northwest like me. Sunshine always motivates me....I will put up with the construction for the sun.

I am just starting and love the encouragement!
Discipline is so hard for me.
Thank you for starting this.

I recently changed my eating habits with WW and now trying to walk at least 3 times a day. I look in the mirror and tell my self I need time for myself, I am 41, a wife and a mother to 2 active teenagers. I usually walk alone, in a safe neigborhood and talk to God about my day(also a stressful job). I have lost 23 lbs since 1/08/08 with W.W. and prayer. My goal is 30 more pounds and more walking and exercise (change of life). I Thank God everyday for being beside me, motivating me to get up and move around, and help me stay focused on my goals.

I am so ready for this. It would be wonderful to have many Christian women as my walking partners.
I am in my fifties, and I always considered myself quite the walker. I was always "up for" a walk, if someone suggested one, walked alone regularly, folk danced and rode my bike a lot. In the last ten or so years, that has become so irregular and un-routine, if that's a word. My schedule has changed numerous times; I would like to walk with someone, but can't seem to find interested parties; you name it, I've had the reason and excuse not to walk--not constantly, but enough to cause me to gradually shift to a person who is not quite the WALKER I could previously characterize myself as being. For example, I have now let almost whole winters go by without walking, even though I have a Sansone CD and a tread climber!! Last year, I had some houseguests and we did so many activiities that required walking and hiking that I lost seven lbs. in 10 days, without changing my diet. I thought, this is easy, I'll keep it up. Ha!
Anyway, I love the idea of doing it and talking about with all of you, so I have started again. I am going for fifty minutes a day, no matter what. I just read that that will energize, rejuvenate, and revitalize the human organism and that is what I need now!!
Jan, April 6, 2008

Michelle & Heather,

I bought an MP3 player that has a pedometer. I put my favorite praise songs on it and I find that the time flies by while I walk. It gives me energy and a great attitude. When I am concentrating on God, I can't focus on myself (other than all the blessings he has given me!) The other great thing is that I can put the ear buds in while doing my housework, and the music keeps me moving and praising so the drudgery of housework changes into a great workout as well. If an MP3 player is not in your budget, before I got it, I would start my walk with thanking God for everything I could think of in my life and after I did that, I would think about people that needed prayers because focusing on other peoples' needs kept me from focusing on myself. KEEP ON WALKING!

I am motivated by hot flashes! Exercise helps to minimize them. It also helps regulate moods and lift depression,which I have had some trouble with.
I have also found that gentle exercise helps the body get over a cold. Once I'm not in bed all day I start doing a little of my usual exercise regimen, but stop when I get tired and work my way up day by day to full workouts. Some days doing laundry is all the exercise I can handle!
I reward myself for doing exercises, getting up on time, going to bed on time and other things I have set goals for by giving myself time to read a fun book or sew.

Ahhh! You guys inspire me! I too have walked, danced, huffed and puffed and ate healthier to bring me to a 47 pound weight loss. I watched my hubby become healthier with a walking loss of nearly 80 pounds. Now? Im stuck. :) I slacked for reasons that I consider legite and have gained back 10 pounds and I feel it in the ol body. Im 48, still 50 pounds overweight and its time for a lifestyle change. I LOVE Leslie Sansone! I have her DVD's and have purchased and passed one on to my other sisters in Christ that have decided that they want to be healthy spiritually and physically as well. So..Im on it again with them and you! Keep moving for Him and we can do this together. Blessings on all of you! :)

Ah yes, I am so ready to get in shape, look and feel better. I just got the DVD this week and watched it last night, so I will start tomorrow(Sat). I am going to do the 7 day jump start. I will let you know how it goes.
I am a fan of The Biggest Loser, it is an inspiring show and now to have Leslie to walk with and all you ladies, is just what I need. I am going to encourage my friend to do this with me. God Bless

Wow! To hear what you all are doing has inspired me to post that I began a walking program 3/17/08, after reading the first article. I have a problem with dizziness, a left-over after a bout with Belle's Palsy. But, I walk dizzy or not & thank my King that I can. I'm not fast & don't think I ever will be. But I AM moving more & more.
Thanks for the inspiration.

Hi, I'm a young missionary and I do not have much time to worry about what I am eating much less how much walking I do. I really what to get in shape because I am not getting any younger. I started a fitness program a couple of weeks ago. everything was going great but lately I feel so depressed I can brearly get out of bed. I gave up. This always seems to happen to me. I will start an excercise progam and keep up with it and then depression will set in and I will eventually stop. I really want to rich my goals but I do not know how to deal with this issue. Any advice?

My sister sent me this page to show me that other people suffer with the same thoughts as myself. After reading the comments, it has given me the inspiration to start walking. I have all kinds of excuses for not walking (the weather, no time, too tired, etc.). I'm on many different medications, have a kidney disease, and sleep apnea. If I can get off the couch and from in front of the TV, I know it can make a difference in my life. Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers.

Jody & Donna: You're in my prayers!! As, I said up above P U S H (pray until something happens) & try to keep your focus on God and not on self. Again, I'm praying with and for you. God Bless & keep you!

Here are a couple of Bible verse that might help:
1Pe 3:6 NIV ... do what is right and do not give way to fear.

Romans 15:13 NIV May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. [Hope being the opposite of depression]

I hope this helps someone. I'm praying for you, too.

I have exercised in some form for many years...probably since my teens. Granted, I may have been a bit over the edge with concern of my weight and appearance, however, thru concern grew awareness and a desire to be fit. I am 54 years old and I exercise at least 5 out 7 days a week. I do some area of exercise but my favorites are done outdoors like power walking and riding my bike. I am grateful for spring and fall when the weather is so great...warm but not too hot and the days are longer and there is more time to make sure I get the exercise in. I also alternate and use my exercise DVD's and do some strength training to build up some muscles and strength. I enjoy Leslie Sansone because mostly everyone is able to do her workouts...at any age or ability. She also has a Christian walk DVD which was my first one ever using her workouts. I am inspired to keep healthy and fit and keep my body a temple for the Holy Spirit. God has given us this gift of life...we should use it wisely and take care of it!
Walk On!!!!

Well, I sometimes am not motivated as well. But my little dog get's me motivated fast, When he wants to go out and do his business and also loves to walk, So it gets me moving and then I feel so much better.
I also take that time to think about our beautiful creation that Jehovah our God made for us to feast our eyes on. Winter I look at the fresh spotless falling snow, As I walk my little Pekingese, And maybe put my head back to catch a few on my tongue. In Vermont we have long winter's.. Now it's spring...., I look at the new life in the flowers popping up to a new awakening to a new year and season. So I meditate and praise God for a new day in him. And maybe sing a tune or two to him, And sing "HOW GREAT THOU ART.". For we are wonderfuly man in HIm

Hey everyone, as I started reading your website and really thinking about my health and my bad habits. I have got up and did something about it. This is my 3rd week of walking. I started three weeks ago and OH it was so hard for me. I went on the first day by myself just in case I get disappointed I won't have anyone to notice it but me. I felt good after the longggg 30 minute walk. I started to go more often about 4 times a week. My mom who is a pro at this is my motivator. She makes sure I have time for myself instead of others. I give myself one hour and that is totally my time. It works out great for me. So to all of you keep up the good work. And if you have not started walking yet. Start out with a small goal maybe 10 minutes but understand some walking is better than none at all.

Well done all you ladies who are doing this. Its hugely inspiring to read the comments.
I'm new to walking - been doing it for six weeks and I have developed a routine so its almost automatic. I go in the morning - I wake up at six, make a coffee, go back to bed for half an hour, then at 6.30 chuck on clothes, and leave the house, and its a 25-30 minute walk in the neighbourhood. If I didn't get up and go then, I honestly wouldn't go at all.
I've do it five days a week. I take a small radio with headphones and listen to a Christian radio station which has a fifteen minute Christian living segment so that keeps my mind off the boredom - also audio books borrowed from the library would work if my discman went! I find walking boring to be truthful, but I'm doing it and as long as I don't break the habit, I'll be fine. Pattern in the past is to go great guns for a month or so, then a holiday or something will break it and its almost impossible to get back into it. I haven't lost weight - I think I'd have to run hard out for that even though I walk at a good pace and there are a few hills along my route. I could do with dropping 20 or so pounds, but my motivation is more for health, heading into my late 40s, and feeling alert during the day and not needing a nap at 3pm!! Getting it out of the way first thing is great, it's not hanging over my head like some dark cloud knowing I have to exercise later in the day. I do have to go to bed earlier, though. A fair trade off!

I have just begun walking, tae bo and exercise bike, and dance choices. I have recently started wearing a pedometer. I did a Billy Blanks Basic Training video this morning. This afternoon I took two walks and have been walking around since i returned. I have nearly done 6000 steps. I am so out of shape but it is nice to hear from other Christian women who are struggling too.

My DH is my motivator. He lost 60 lbs and kept it off for about 3 years and has lost almost another 10 lbs in the past three weeks. Of course, he has way more willpower than I.

I am enjoying this challenge. I went to the library and borrowed Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds DVD. It is great - I went to three stores looking to purchase a copy. I have the Walk at Home - 5 mile walk DVD. It came with a firming band. I am having a great time walking. Thank you!

Keep up the good work, everyone! Every step you take with God is a step to better health, physically, spiritually and mentally. I used to walk everywhere as a kid, then got busy raising my 4 girls. I was in my mid thirties when I realized how out of shape I became, so I re-committed myself to walking and healthy eating. Because we reap what we sow, I am blessed with a great weight, normal cholesteral level, and blood pressure. At 53, I feel better than when I was 35. Be sure to get plenty of variety in your exercise. Leslie Sansone is wonderful. I've also found a 3 DVD set called "Keeping Fit in your 50's". This has strength training, aerobics and flexibility training. Don't let the strength training worry you....you only need 3 to 5 pound hand weights. I must add that walking in the winter does help keep me from getting sick. I get fewer colds when I walk outdoors year round. I actually bought a long, down filled coat to keep up my winter walking here in Buffalo, NY! Br-rrr-rrr!
Happy walking to all!

Good to know that I'm not the only one having trouble with time and motivation. I do enjoy walking but just can't seem to find the motivation to get started. I'm 43 years old, pick my granddaughter up from the babysitter a couple times a week and then go home to cook supper. The days that I don't pick her up, I FORGET to pop in an exercise DVD, which would actually give me the 2-3 days a week for exercising that I really need. I've lost 13.5 pounds since Jan.1 and have been stalled there for the past month. I guess I should lace up my shoes and get moving.

I started walking daily last Wednesday. I got an addition to my iPod that tracks my distance, and it's motivated me to walk more. I've walked almost 40 miles since I got it! I wanted to walk for the many health benefits, but I also want to start training to do the 3Day walk for breast cancer, and now is as good a time as any to start. It's nice to know others are going through the same struggles and pains that I am.

Hi all - Suz the dizzy brunette here. I am still walking. I've also begun increasing my 'walks'. As I mentioned, I'm not fast
but I am determined. I'm walking for the health aspect of especially as I've got osteoporosis & need to build bone, good healthy bone.
I manage to get in about 9 tenths of a mile a day. For me that is great.
Keep inspiring me to keep going ladies!
Thanks so much for being there with me - walking.
Suz

My husband and I live out in the country. To keep me moving, he goes along with me on my walks. The only thing is he does not walk, he rides the 4 wheeler. Which is fine with me, because he keeps me going. We do this at least 4 to 5 days a week. I am trying to lose 75 pounds and I know every little bit helps. All I can say, is keep moving!!

I miss walking, I have serious back problems and sometimes I am in a wheelchair...How can I still get up and moving like I should? Do you have any suggestions?

Hey Ladies,
Keep up the good work! I walk twice this week about five in a half miles total. Walking around the lakes makes it easy for me hope to do more next week.

Well, I walked yesterday at our park by the river. I felt so good, I prayed almost the whole time, thinking about Mother Mary and what a great women she is. There are so many different colors of green out there, that I was so aware of. The park is on the Ohio river and the water gently moving, just like I move when I am calm and praying to the Lord. I felt so good. Now I must do it again today.

I enjoy reading everyone's comments they are so inspiring.

Hello everyone,

I am trying to lose 75 pounds and am having a hard time getting motivated, although there are many reasons why I should be. I'm 56 years old, extremely worried about my health and due to losing my oldest son recently (it was a violent death), I have used the excuse that I'm just to stressed out to really get going. I was much thinner four years ago, but I really can't say that I was healthy. I want to be both. My father passed away when he was just 53 because of diabetes, high blood pressure and major heart problems. I know it's just a matter of time before I get sick and I really need a plan. I walk to work and back, which in total is only about twenty minutes, but I live in a condo which has a great gym with four treadmills. I've actually walked on them a few times, but it never lasts. Also, I love junk food and eat plenty of it because I'm a widow and live alone. PLEASE HELP!

Cool post, i enjoyed reading it!