21 Days Walking Challenge With My Weak Ankle – By Lynda Wessels
As a close knit VA team we were all challenged to do something somewhat out of our comfort zones.
I was challenged by Karen Wessels to do a 1km walk every day for 21 days. I accepted the challenge but alas was unable to complete it as my ankle decided to put a spoke in the wheel so to speak.
I have ankle instability or as some would call it ‘weak ankles’ due to an injury suffered quite a while back and it has never really healed completely. The swelling and uncomfortableness unfortunately returned.
I do love brisk walking though as opposed to just strolling. Walking on the beach is also awesome and therapeutic!
While on holiday on a beautiful farm I really did not want to miss out on walking with the family on various outings so I donned my ankle support which does allow one to walk without too much discomfort. By the way there is a video to show one exactly how to strap it round your ankle. I do however still need to work on ankle healing completely.
What exactly is the use of an ankle support you may ask? It can help speed up recovery time when used in conjunction with other rehabilitation methods. It allows one to stay mobile longer with the brace offering compression to the affected area. It can reduce pain and inflammation. The type of ankle brace you require depends on the severity of the injury. Moderate supports can also be used as a preventative brace to help avoid injuries.
Back to walking on the farm : the first day I managed to walk 1km and felt quite proud of myself. The next walk I attempted was all in all 3kms. It was a bit heavy going but I managed to do it even thought at times I had to use my toes or my heel to walk on rather than putting pressure on the foot. Strangely enough it did help somewhat. On our last day on the farm I did a 1.5km walk. So all in all I walked 5.5kms while on holiday. Yes a far cry from the 1km 21 day challenge but at least better than nothing as I did try.
The benefits of walking are great. If one does just 30mins a day for 5 days in the week to move your body, it will certainly improve your mood, you will sleep better, reduce saggy skin and burn extra calories!
Walking daily is no easy feat. It sounds easy but to keep up with it is actually quite harder.
A good idea is to log your minutes walked. This will help with accountability.
Something as simple as a daily brisk walk can help you live a healthier life. It has tremendous physical and mental benefits.
Walking in one’s neighbourhood is great too as you notice a lot more than when you are travelling in a vehicle. And to walk early morning or evening one gets to notice that beautiful sunrise or sunset!
Something else to take note of is that daily walking has more health benefits than sporadic heavy exercising. It not only helps you feel good, it will also help you look good as well. Exercise does not have to be harsh and difficult. A simple brisk walk each day can greatly improve your health and if done during the working week it will also help to clear your mind and prevent one from sitting in a fixed position most of the day in front of the computer and at your desk.
So here is to me hopefully shortly being able to do that brisk walk daily, or even just 5 days a week!
