By Glenn Koster
Walking Through Life
The week of April 6 through 12 is National Public Health Week. Some of the major benefits of keeping healthy are longer life expectancy, healthier families, and stronger communities. As one who walks regularly, I can attest to the benefits of walking to improve one’s health. My health took a major turn in 2011 when I decided to lose some weight and begin exercising. I lost 50 lbs. that year and was able to be removed from all but one of my prescription medications. It took another major turn in 2013 when I began walking. In this month’s column, I would like to explore some of the benefits of walking in Hutchinson.
During cold or rainy weather, Hutchinson is alive with places to exercise—and even walk, even though the interior of the mall is now off-limits. The Hutchinson Sports Arena is an excellent place to walk. You could choose from a myriad of fitness centers, like Planet Fitness, Beatz Fitness, Genesis Health Clubs, Core Health & Fitness, or the YMCA. Evidence of the YMCA’s commitment to our community is evidenced by their new facility being constructed.
Unfortunately, most of these require limiting your walking to walking on mechanical devices. If you are a senior citizen, both Delos V. Smith Center and Elmdale provide options for exercise that include walking on something other than a treadmill.
However, the real joys of walking in Hutchinson are found outside. Hutchinson has numerous hike and bike trails throughout town, most notably the Jim P. Martinez Trail, a 6.8-milemile trail that runs around Rice Park, continues south to Carey Park, and then around Carey Park. It provides a wide variety of terrain and is completely safe from all traffic. There are numerous other trails in town, with the most recent being the “Bad Bobby Trail” in northeast Hutchinson.
Most of Hutchinson is also loaded with safe, wide sidewalks on which we can venture out!
The places we can walk in town are almost limitless. It is important to remember how this affects your health. If you walk outside, you will breathe fresh air. You will rebuild muscles, some that you may have forgotten you even had! You will probably even begin to lose some weight. This affects the physical aspects of your being.
You will have ample opportunity to meet and greet others along the way—sometimes even in inclement weather. Remember to do more than just say, “Hi!” Take the time to talk with them—even if it is only a few moments. This affects the social aspects of our being.
You will be able to spend time clearing your mind of the myriad thoughts that have been intruding on your life, providing relief to the mental aspects of your life. It is amazing how things change in our lives when we can get rid of the clutter that strains our brains. Be sure to take in all of the surrounding views—from front yard decorations to the uniqueness of our city’s buildings. These views will also help you clear the clutter from your mind – and amaze you at the uniqueness of Hutchinson!
However, the real joy is in spending time in nature, where you will see green grass (all year except during the winter), smell pleasant aromas, and see the wildlife of God’s creation. There are very few days that I walk when I fail to interact with squirrels of all sizes. I pause to take photos when I can, which I then post online. This has earned me the nickname of “The Squirrel Whisperer” on Instagram. The blue skies and usually gentle breezes also bring relief. All of this helps redevelop the spiritual aspects of your life.
Let’s have a great month walking this April and truly enjoy National Public Health Week as we do.
Glenn Koster is a former reporter, a retired pastor, and a retired IT professional who spends most of his time now walking and working with various Reno County non-profits. He can be reached at Glenn.Koster@gmail.com or by phone at 620-960-4492.