Get the Most Out of Your Walk – A Cancer Survivor’s Guide

Walking seems easy enough, right? Almost anyone can walk. It is especially good for cancer patients and survivors. But a walk can be so much more than just a walk.  A walk can promote a healthy body, clear mind and happy spirit.  Let’s explore the benefits of walking and learn how to maximize your walk. 

Updated November 22, 2021

More than Just a Walk

I was walking in a local nature conservation area with my husband on the weekend.  We were quiet, not talking and just enjoying the surroundings and each others company.  The sun was shining, but we were sheltered from its heat in the shade of the trees.  The birds were active and singing happily.  As we walked along the path, I became lost in the sound of the creek water flowing and my usual loud and incessant thoughts grew softer. 

I needed this walk that day.  I noticed my body, especially my shoulders, had become so tight from the stress of a busy week.  Although I had accomplished a lot, I still had so much more to do.  I didn’t realize the effect that all this was having on my body, until that very moment.

Do You Know the Full Value of Walking?

Once I discovered how stressed my body was, I focused on relaxing my shoulders.  Listening to my breathing, I willfully slowed it down.  I concentrated on my footsteps and the sound of the forest.  And my mind started to clear and my body relax.  My pursed lips softened and started to form a smile.  My stress melted away and I allowed myself to be happy in that moment.

And then a thought popped into my cleared mind.  Do others experience this?  Do people truly know the full benefits of a walk?  It isn’t JUST a walk.  Going for a walk can be so much more. 

I looked over at my husband and announced that I had a new idea for a blog article.  He helped me fine tune what I wanted to tell you about getting the most out of your walk. And this article was born.

Benefits of Walking

To truly understand how to maximize a walk, it is important to look at the benefits of walking.  You need to know what your goals are before you can achieve them. 

Knowing what a walk can do for you helps you to figure out what you ultimately want to get out of it. 

If you are just looking for some exercise, a walk can do that for you.  But if you want the full impact of a walk, you need to know what that full impact means. 

Let’s explore the benefits of walking.

Walking is a Low Impact Exercise

Walking is a fabulous low impact form of exercise.  If you are just recovering from an illness, have joint troubles or are getting back into fitness, this is the perfect place to start.

Walking is at the top of the list in most exercise guidelines for cancer patients and survivors.

Almost Anyone Can Walk

Most of us learned to walk before we were two years old.  We walk from our cars to the store.  We walk to our mailboxes.  And, even most sedentary people, walk a little around their houses.  It is a natural and ingrained movement for us.  Most people can go for a walk. 

Walking Heals Your Body

As an exercise, walking can get your breathing up and heartbeat going.  This helps strengthen your heart and lowers blood pressure.  Muscles get stronger and more efficient. It builds endurance over time if you walk regularly.  Your bones become stronger, as well. 

But the positive effects on your body can happen even in that same day.  Experiencing the physical benefits of walking can happen immediately.  Joints become lubricated and less painful.  A walk can work out the stiffness in your body. 

And walking will boost your immunity and energy levels. When I feel tired at the end of a long day, an evening walk can give me a boost that lasts until bedtime.

Speaking of bedtime; walking also improves sleep.  Just one walk can release your internal sleep hormone, melatonin, which helps you fall asleep and stay asleep longer. 

Walking Soothes Your Mind

Just as I experienced that day in the woods, walking is a way to relieve stress.  After about 20 minutes of a brisk-pace walk, your brain and body release chemicals called endorphins.  These are mood boosting chemicals and can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Walking also clears your mind.  You think more clearly during and after a walk.  You have better attention, memory, and focus.  A walk can also boost creativity.  These benefits of walking were recognized by many business gurus, such as Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg.  Walking can be a way to hold very productive and innovative meetings. 

Walking Boosts Your Spirit

There are many scientific studies that tell us that walking increases our life expectancy.  People who walk regularly live longer. 

Not only do walkers live longer, but they are generally happier people.  Walking has been shown to cultivate gratitude and kindness.  It also gives you more confidence. 

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“Walking is man’s best medicine.”

– Hippocrates –

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15 Tips to Get the Most Out of Walking

Now that you understand how beneficial walking can be, let’s look at how to you can make the most of it.

1. Walk Daily

The more you walk, the more benefit you gain.  Some benefits, like boosted energy and better sleep, can happen with just one 5 to 15 minute walk.  However, some benefits need more time, like building muscle and strengthening bone. 

Walking can make you feel good. So, why not feel good every day? It is a fantastic way to get that minimum 150 minutes of weekly aerobic exercise in.

But if you walk daily, don’t wear yourself out.  You shouldn’t walk briskly for long periods of time every day.

Vary the intensity.  Some days walk fast, then walk slower the next day. 

Vary the duration.  Maybe walk for an hour one day, then 15 minutes the next. 

Walking doesn’t have to be all or nothing.  It can be random or in a scheduled pattern.  But it shouldn’t be the same intensity every day of the week. 

2. Track your walks

Use an app, pedometer, activity tracker, spreadsheet or just paper and pen.  But track your walks.  It will help you know when to increase your pace and endurance safely. 

And it may also inspire you to continue.  It feels so satisfying to look back and see how much you have improved and how far you have walked. 

3. Ease into Walking

You don’t want to just go out and walk a lot all at once, especially if you haven’t done this before.  It is no fun being stiff and sore the next day from over-exertion.  And it isn’t necessary to see the benefits.  Most studies tell us that slow and steady are best for health.  Build to longer and faster walking over time.

4. A Moderate Intensity Workout

You do want to get your heart rate up though.  You need to walk at a pace that is classified as “moderate intensity”. This is the level that scientists have found the biggest health benefit. 

What is “moderate intensity”?  Another way to put it is “somewhat hard”.  You should be able to talk to a friend, but have trouble singing.  You find yourself breathing a little harder, but you aren’t out of breath. And, you may sweat a little, but are not drenched. 

It is okay if you aren’t able to walk at a moderate intensity yet.  But make that a goal to reach as you progress. 

5. Warm Up Before Walking

Warming up before you go on your walk is important.  Do a few butt-kicks and high-knee dynamic stretches to get those legs loosened up.  Start walking at a slower pace for a few minutes, then gradual increase to that moderate intensity or brisk pace we talked about earlier. 

Warming up your muscles will help prevent injury and make you less sore the next day. 

It is especially important to warm up those muscles in cold weather.  Yes, you should be walking year-round, if possible. 

6. Proper Walking Form

Using proper form and posture on your walk will help build the right muscles and prevent injury.  You should be standing tall, leaning ever so slightly forward from the hips.  Your core muscles should be engaged.

Take smaller steps with a higher foot turnover.  Land each strike on the mid-foot.  Use your arms to swing you forward, but never cross them over your chest. Your arms should be moving in the direction you want to go… forward.

Don’t over think this, though.  You have been walking since you were about 2 years old.  I will bet you are proficient at it.  And if you think too much about your form, you may stiffen up.  Stiffening up wastes energy and makes you sore.

Walking should be relaxed.  Shake out those shoulders and hands from time to time to keep it loose. 

Sore muscle and injury can result from bad posture.  And you want to get the full benefit of building your posture muscles when you are walking, so do pay some attention to your walking form. 

Your posture and form will tend to fall apart when you are tired, so check in with your body towards the middle to end of your walk. 

7. Keep Walking Interesting

Sometimes walking can get boring.  You should be enjoying your walks.  It makes it easier to get out there daily if you like walking.  So spice them up from time to time.

You can play pace games.  Pick a landmark, maybe a lamppost, and walk faster to the next one. Then walk slowly for two lampposts, and fast again for the third.  Make a game out of it. Challenge yourself a little. Time and distance will fly by.  

Walk in an exciting new location.  Maybe find a nature trail to explore. 

Walk with a friend.  Catch up on old times. 

Listen to music or a a podcast. I love listening to relaxation music softly in the background on my solo city walks.

Find ways to relieve the monotony of walking the same walk everyday.  Unless, of course, you find that enjoyable. 

8. Turn Off Your Cell Phone

Unless you are using a smartphone app for tracking or listening to music, leave your cell phone at home.  Remember one of the benefits of going for a walk is to reduce stress and clear your mind.  How can you do that when your phone keeps dinging, ringing, and buzzing? 

Or, at least, just turn off the notifications. 

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“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than one seeks“

– John Muir-

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9. Walk in Nature

Trees and plants give off chemicals that boost our health.  Science has shown the benefits of just being out in nature.  Why not multitask and exercise in nature?  Go for a walk in the woods.  It will add so many more benefits to your efforts. 

Nature sounds help us relax and unwind.  Yes, you can go download a nature CD.  But it is so much better to get out there and experience the sounds, along with the beautiful sights and wonderful smells, for yourself. 

10. Walk on Softer Surfaces

Sidewalk concrete is one of the hardest surfaces to walk on.  Walking solely on concrete can be hard on your joints.  It is good to find a route that adds variable surfaces to your walking. 

Road asphalt is a little softer.  Just be careful, pay attention and follow the rules of traffic. Whether you have the right of way or not, always yield to traffic. Cars are bigger and stronger than you, no matter how badass you are.

Better yet, find a nice soft nature trail to walk on.  Dirt and grass are much softer for your body to walk on. 

Very soft surfaces, such as sand and snow can be difficult to walk on, as it is harder for your feet to grip. These surfaces can be a great workout, but they may slow down a little. 

Pool walking can be a great way to exercise if you have an injury or you need very low impact exercise.  It is exactly how it sounds.  The buoyancy of water will take your body weight off your joints yet work your muscles.  It is fun too. 

11. Use Walking Accessories

Walking poles can help you with balance and give you the added benefit of an enhanced upper body workout.  Hand weights can help give you that extra zing for your upper body too. 

But you shouldn’t start with these accessories just yet.  If you are relatively new to walking for exercise, then your arm swings should be enough of a workout.  Add the accessories later if you feel you need to amp up your routine. 

12. The Right Gear

The gear that you should consider right now are good walking shoes, athletic socks and wicking clothing. 

Good shoes help you keep good form, prevent injury and blisters, and make walking more comfortable. 

Socks should keep your sweat away from your skin, keep your feet in place in your shoes and provide the right padding in the right spots. 

And because you are supposed to get a little sweaty with a moderate intensity walk, having dry-wicking athletic wear is best.  You want to avoid cotton clothes, as these hold moisture and promote chaffing.  Trust me, I have been there.  You don’t want to experience that.  Ouch! 

13. Take Along Water

Staying hydrated is so important.  If you experience more than a 2% loss of body water, you will feel the effects of dehydration, such as sluggishness, dry mouth, trouble concentrating, crankiness and even pain and muscle cramps.  We can lose as much as 6 – 10% body water during a walk. 

So take a water bottle along. Sip on it at regular intervals, even if you don’t feel thirsty. 

I like these little grip-free hand-held water bottles for walking. You can relax your grip and don’t have to hold the bottle on your hand. It has a handy pocket for your keys and some money too.

14. Stretch After Your Walk

Cooling down is so important to ease your body back into normal living.  Slow down during the last 5 to 10 minutes of your walk.  Then do some gentle stretches afterwards. 

Stretch your calves, quads and hamstrings. Don’t forget about your arms and shoulders.  They had to work too. 

15. Listen to your body

Always listen to your body. Walking is a great way to tune in with yourself.  Does anything hurt when you walk?  Is your breathing nice and regular?  Where is that stress and tension happening? 

I notice my stress smack between my shoulder blades when I walk.  I will do some shoulder rolls and try to relax this area.  When I feel it here, I know the stress is having an effect on my body.  So, I will do some deep breathing and meditation exercises to help me feel better.

If you aren’t feeling well, slow down, keep your walk short or skip it all together.  Adjust your distance and pace based on how you feel. 

Tell your doctor that you are walking regularly.  Your oncology team will likely cheer you on.  But they may also have some tips for you to help make it easier and more beneficial. 

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Read More on Walking

Walking Back to Health and Fitness

Health Benefits of Trees and Hiking

Walking Away Side Effects of Cancer Radiation Therapy

Why Famous People Walk

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Now go for a walk!

I hope that helps you get the most out of your walk.  Walking is such a fabulous and natural way to stay healthy.  I firmly believe that being active and eating healthy foods is the path to wellness.  Don’t you?