Walk Upright

I wasn't sure exactly how to title this blog post it being my first post on Fitness in the Know and all. My job on this blog is to motivate and excite people so that they keep their personal health and fitness goals and to in part help Dennis' clients stay excited. I admit on some days it is hard enough for me to keep motivate considering all the world events in my own life but I decided I liked the challenge and accepted.

Now, how to do it. I guess there are many ways. I could do videos and act all "happy pappy." I could quote inspirational texts and be solemn for a paragraph or two. I could make up my own little sayings and hope they were clever. Well, I decided that the most important thing was to get the point across and help you the reader. So, guess what? I decided everyday in life is different so why set any boundary. If anything, it may keep you coming back to see what the heck is next.

So here goes. While having a Chai Tea the other day a friend, an older lady, walked slowly past on her way out the door. I had noticed her walk before but this time I asked her about it. I asked, "may I ask you a slightly personal question?" She smiled and responded, "as opposed to a personal question?" I said yes and asked her why she sometimes walked so slow. She went on to mention a number of possible reasons which I will leave to your imagination.

However, she also told me of a story when she was in another country in her younger years about a passing stranger and a comment he made to her. He said, "Your an American aren't you? She had features of the country where this was taking place so she was slightly surprised. She answered, "yes, I am. How did you know?" He said, "well I too am an American and have been in this country a while. Have you noticed that so many people here walk looking down or do not hold there head high?" She acknowledged that she had not paid attention. He said, "Well you hold your head high when you walk and it gives you a certain look. You walk like an American."
(side note, they became friends and socialized while she was in that country and met his other friends, too)

When she left I leaned over and said, "Walk like an American." Before you say anything "walk like an American" is not meant to degrade another country but to remind her of a personal story to make a point she would remember. I used this story to show you that people DO notice how you walk and whether you walk with energy or "zest." The other reason was that when she walked out having remembered that long forgotten story she walked different.

So, when you walk past a mirror or a reflective storefront window look to see how you walk. Then walk a little happier, a little more self assured. It will make you feel better and others WILL notice. Walk Upright. You may even make a new friend.