It’s funny how people perceive things differently. My daughter’s car has been in the shop quite a bit this week so I’ve taken to walking the 2.5 miles or so to and from school so she can use mine. I view it as a chance to get in some “free” exercise in a functional way. Perhaps it’s because I live in the world of special education where I strive to teach skills through functional activities that I completely have this point of view and it’s quite obvious to me.

I can’t tell you the number of people that have insisted that they give me a ride home from work. I know that they’re trying to be nice but my responses of “No, thank you, I’d rather walk” are met with incredulous looks. Then, assuming that I’m just being polite in not wanting them to go out of their way, they insist even more strongly. “No really.. I WANT the exercise.”

I view it as: Why would I want to take a ride home just so I can drive to the gym to go walk on a treadmill or use another cardio device for an hour when I could just walk home and get it over with in even less time? Not that I’m opposed to doing cardio at the gym if I’m already there lifting weights but honestly, I’d much rather be outside any day of the week. Walking to a destination is much more practical than just walking for walking’s sake. (Of course taking my dogs for walks can be filed under the functional category as well since they need the exercise too.)

So, thanks for offering but I’ll politely refuse and smile all the way home. :-)

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kjcardoza on May 9th, 2008 | File Under Ramblings, fitness | -