Some 3 to 4 million years ago, as ash fell from an erupting volcano, a group of three ancient human ancestors were walking together. The ancient footprints of these ancestors were preserved in the soft earth beneath their feet. The impressions left behind were discovered in 1976 at Laetoli, in northern Tanzania. The entire footprint trail is almost 27 m (88 ft) long and includes impressions of about 70 footprints.
This ancient trail is important in part because it shows that walking has been part of our existence for millions of years. To be human is to have an upright posture. Unlike apes we don’t knuckle walk.
At more than one time in our story, humans lived nomadic lives, covering vast areas of land searching for food, finding new places to camp, or following rivers to ensure fresh water. The Massai people of Kenya still have a semi-nomadic lifestyle and produce some of the best runners in the world.
Parents celebrate when their babies achieve milestones. In fact, they record them and tell others about them. The one most remembered is often baby’s first steps.
Walking is one of the first exercises recommended by doctors to people in need of a healthier lifestyle. Since diet plans may not be sufficient to take off pounds sensibly, TOPS encourages both sensible eating and sensible exercise, which could start with at least fifteen minutes of walking every day.
Walking is relatively easy to do, easy on the joints, helps us lose weight by raising heart rate and metabolism, strengthens bones and muscles, and can improve your balance, coordination, and mood.
And it’s free. You do it every day anyway, and it may resonate with an age-long connection to our lineage in our planet’s story. Way back in time, before the incredible art found deep in caves, our ancestors were out walking. What might they say to us? “Dude! Get off that couch and join us for a brisk lope up that mountain!” By setting a goal like taking a fifteen minute walk each day and accomplishing it, you’ll naturally feel good about yourself. It’s one more way of increasing your self-esteem.
It’s true that not everyone can walk. There are many illness and injuries that make walking difficult or impossible, and since TOPS is not just for the able-bodied but for everyone, any exercise that burns calories and develops muscles is encouraged, as long as it supports your health.
But if you can walk, and haven’t enjoyed the joys of a path-walk, a trail hike, or a backroad explore on Mayne Island, then how about trying it? Maybe ask a friend to join you. Today is as good a time to start as any.
TOPS is for everyone. We’re all intelligent people who aspire to take off pounds sensibly. Check out our website at www.tops.org. TOPS is about weight-loss support that is affordable and works. There are no fad diets or foods to buy. Eat what you love and develop a weight management style that really works for you.
Join us every Wednesday morning at the Community Centre, from 9:00 to 10:00. We wear masks, social distance, and sanitize whatever we touch. If you want to Take Off Pounds Sensibly with us, please call.
Submitted by Amber Harvey