Let’s Get Moving!
I have never been a gym person. Once upon a time in Chicago, when winter made outdoor workouts unbearable, I decided to join a gym. It felt like the grown-up thing to do. There was no good reason not to—it was just up the street, so close I could walk there or hop off the train one stop early. It was shiny and well-equipped (at least to my beginner’s eye).
I went maybe five, ten times tops. But I paid for it for 12 months until I moved and had the perfect excuse to cancel. I’ve also lived in buildings with gyms, where I told myself it would be so easy to just “pop down” for a workout. Did I? Rarely.
My partner, ever the dedicated gym-goer, tried to lure me in with the promise of treadmill sessions paired with beloved TV shows. It kind of worked, but let’s be real—it wasn’t ideal. Still, staying in shape is important, and I value fitness. Like eating vegetables, though, it’s easier when you uncover the intrinsic benefit beneath the chore. For me, exercise has to be something I actually look forward to. That’s the key to making it fun.
One thing my partner and I both love? Walking. We were avid walkers long before we met, and together, we’ve turned it into a shared passion. Wherever we travel, we explore on foot. We walk and talk—about life, the universe, everything—or just point out quirky sights. Sometimes we make up silly games. Even on NYC or Chicago’s bitterest winter nights, one of us will say, “Want to go for a walk?” The first instinct is always “Ugh, no, it’s freezing.” But the second thought always wins: We never regret going for a walk.
Contrary to popular belief, walking is one of the best forms of exercise. No need to run (I almost never do). A brisk walk with arms swinging and your whole body engaged? That’s both energizing and enjoyable. If you don’t have a walking buddy, call a friend, queue up a favorite audiobook, or blast some tunes.
Gyms didn’t work for me, so for years, I convinced myself I didn’t like exercising. Now, if I go a few days without walking, my body actually craves it. Once you find what works for you, exercise can be a joy.
So, what makes you feel Green, Wild, and Free? For me, it’s walking. What might it be for you?
