A three mile walk daily in the fresh air is an exercise par excellence
and is within the reach of all. It may be tedious at first but when
later it becomes a habit it affords real joy. The first cost is in the
adjustment of business cares and in selecting time: the next involves
physical exertion itself. Anyone who has spent the greater part of his
past life in a sedentary occupation can safely enjoy such trips if he
uses common sense at the outset and starts, say, on a mile a day and
gradually increases the length of the walk. Systematically followed
pedestrianism accomplishes a number of things--there is better sleep, an
increased circulation and new nerve force: all the muscles are brought
into play as is proven by the general stiffness of the beginner (which
however disappears on hardening); extra fat and flesh are eliminated and
minor ailments are overcome. There is a real joy in living for with
health everything is a pleasure.
Every one ought to walk and nearly every one who walks ought to do more
of it than he does. Should pedestrianism become universal the present
generation would be far healthier and happier and their children would
be sturdier and more beautiful. The old English habit of taking a
constitutional walk every day speaks in no small measure for much of the
strength and stability of the British character. There is a general
trend of interest in America today toward pedestrianism and many
persons are eager for information as to where to go, what to take and
how to take care of oneself so as to derive the greatest
benefit--queries for which we should now find answer.
Being mindful of the unlimited possibilities which walking affords for
renewing youth the first task is found in the revolution of habits of
living and the adjustment of the daily routine to include say two hours
a day in road tramping. If persisted in a remarkable change will
result--a notable clearness of mental power, keenness of appetite and a
zest for life’s work. It won’t be long until one automatically increases
the range and endurance.
Tramping may be arbitrarily divided into (A) Road Tramping and (B)
Forest Cruising.
ROAD TRAMPING or real pedestrianism comprehends short walks as a
training for physical well being which, as one becomes experienced, may
be lengthened to include an occasional all day country tour as a wise
utilization of holidays, or, one who becomes an adept may even plan to
spend his annual two weeks’ vacation period in a lengthy walking trip
upon some of the better known highways in any civilized section of our
country or in our National Parks or as a tourist in foreign lands. Road
tramping is for those to whom walking appeals yet who do not care to
bother with the details incidental to camping. The trip should be so
planned that the day’s journey assures a comfortable bed and warm meals
at hotels, inns or at ranch homes. This broadens one’s walking
opportunities up to the point where civilization and wild nature touch.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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