Walking towards a healthier New Year

Published 12:00 am Saturday, December 28, 2019

RESERVE – At 10 a.m. every Thursday in the Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library in Reserve, you can find Lillian LeBlanc leading a group of patrons in a one-mile step/walk routine.

The library is located at 170 W. 10th Street, and from 10 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays, you can find LeBlanc and her walkers exercising inside the building. Besides the physical health benefits of walking, patrons enjoy each other’s company through their common interest in this form of exercise. Everyone is welcome to be a part of the group, regardless of age or level of fitness.

In the library meeting room, participants will follow instructors on a video monitor going through various combinations of stepping patterns, “marching” in place and arm movements to increase the effectiveness of the exercise, all the while mimicking their motions.

Walking to improve one’s health is nothing new, and it is a versatile form of exercise. When by oneself, the walker can choose from several variables: how much distance, how much time, fast or slow pace, walking in place or walking a circuit, inside or out in the elements. The exercise session can be made aerobic by increasing the duration and the pace, or it can be much more relaxed, depending on the ability and the desire of the walker. Also, depending on these choices made by the walker, exercise by walking can help to mitigate Seasonal Affective Disorder.

All walkers are welcome at the Reserve library to join their neighbors in improving their health, enjoying more socialization, and having a good time while doing it. No reservations, fancy outfits, or any special equipment is needed, except for a pair of comfortable shoes.

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