For many of us who’ve been through the intense workout programs, from lifting to HIIT routines, finding time for movement that truly nourishes rather than exhausts can be life-changing. Coming from a fitness coach background, walking for wellness seemed insanely silly, but let me share the full story, because for me, walking for wellness became the thing that saved me.
I had brain surgery in 2014, and during recovery I was told I had plateaued, and I wasn’t going to get any healthier. We decided to get pregnant. That pregnancy was hard! So hard! And I gained a lot of weight. Post-partum was scary. I dealt with suicidal ideation, and severe depression. Those are stories for another day though. I came to the conclusion that I needed a 180 degree change, and that’s what I accomplished. In the next year I lost 140 pounds, and became a fitness coach. From 2016 through 2020 I was committed to daily workouts with weights and intensity—a regimen that shaped me but also pushed my body to its limits. I became the healthiest I’d ever been, carried a second pregnancy completely the opposite in every way, and had an amazing post-partum experience, until I got really sick from mold.
In the years that followed that, my health declined for several reasons again, and I found myself fighting for my life in ways I never had before. Those were the years I did “all the right things.” But I struggled deeply. Now, as a mama and wellness coach focused on health, I’ve shifted my approach to something gentler yet equally powerful: walking. Yes, I still love weights and intensity now that I’m healing well, but walking was what really helped. Here’s how our family’s daily walks have improved our health and wellness—and why this simple practice can transform yours, too.
The Shift from High-Intensity to Restorative Movement
Our commitment to daily family walks came during a time when I needed to focus on healing and rejuvenation. As much as I loved high-intensity workouts, my body needed something more restorative. Walking became the answer. Unlike intense routines, which often stress our adrenals and deplete energy reserves, walking offers a gentle, low-impact way to keep moving and burning calories without taxing the body.
Did you know that research shows even a daily walk can increase your metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity? Walking after meals, even for just 10-15 minutes, has powerful metabolic benefits, helping the body manage blood sugar and support weight management in a way that feels accessible for anyone—even if you’re dealing with stress or chronic pain.
Walking Together: Building Wellness as a Family
For us, walking isn’t just about fitness; it’s become a family ritual. A daily family walk is one of our non-negotiables. Each day, we take a 45-minute walk, sometimes even in the rain, teaching our kids that movement doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or completing a tough workout. In fact, studies show that walking outdoors as a family can strengthen emotional bonds and even improve cognitive function. When friends stay at the same RV parks, they’ll often join us, creating a mini “walking community” that helps keep us accountable.
How often do you get outside together as a family? Making it a part of your daily routine can create meaningful connections that go beyond fitness.
The Science of Walking for Wellness
1. Boosts Mood and Lowers Stress
It’s no secret that getting outdoors and moving can reduce stress. Walking has been shown to decrease cortisol (the stress hormone) and release feel-good endorphins, which naturally lift your mood. For me, walking became a therapeutic outlet during tough times. After my brother passed away in early 2023, my husband encouraged me to get outside for walks as a way to manage my grief. Those nature walks were grounding; just being outside, feeling the earth under my feet, and hearing the sounds around me helped me process my emotions in a gentle, healing way.
2. Supports Sustainable Weight Management
High-intensity routines can often backfire, leading to burnout or adrenal fatigue. Walking, on the other hand, keeps your metabolism engaged without overtaxing your body. After intense years of coaching and working out daily, I discovered that walking allowed my body to recover and still helped me manage my weight. For moms balancing health with everything else, walking can be an approachable, sustainable part of your day that doesn’t require recovery time or risk of injury.
3. Enhances Metabolism and Digestion
Walking post-meal can aid digestion and optimize your metabolic response. A 10-15 minute walk after eating has been shown to improve blood sugar regulation, which is particularly beneficial for anyone struggling with insulin resistance or managing post-meal energy crashes. Walking is a low-stress, high-impact choice to keep blood sugar steady and energy high—perfect for moms on the go.
4. Benefits Mental Clarity and Creativity
Walking outdoors provides a natural boost in creativity and focus, something I’ve come to rely on. It’s often during our walks that I find clarity, come up with fresh ideas, or simply let my mind rest. For moms, walking can be a refreshing break from daily responsibilities, offering a chance to mentally reset.
Walking as a Tool for Healing and Recovery
When I began my wellness journey after mold sickness, I was also healing from chronic pain, adrenal fatigue, and a CV-pokey-poke shedding situation that left me fighting for my life. Walking allowed me to stay active without triggering further stress. During a 75 Hard Challenge, I made walking my primary outdoor workout, and it was incredibly empowering to meet my fitness goals without pushing my body too far. This experience shifted my view of exercise—it didn’t have to be about going hard every day. Sometimes, slow and steady wins the race.
Walking for Wellness: Your New Path to Health
If you’re a mom who’s tried it all, from intense workouts to restrictive diets, and still feel like you’re spinning your wheels, walking could be the missing piece. Walking for wellness can transform health goals into manageable, enjoyable steps. As simple as it sounds, it’s an approach that brings balance and sustainable wellness to life. Don’t believe me? Check out this article from Dr Axe all about the benefits of walking for wellness.
So, are you ready to try walking as a wellness tool?
Whether you’re recovering from burnout, looking to shed a few pounds, or just trying to reconnect with your body, walking offers a path forward. And as someone who’s gone from high-intensity to healing, I can’t recommend it enough.