Copyright (c) 2008 At Peace With Food

Lately, my friends and associates have noticed I participate a lot more in political and medical discussions. They seem to think I have become a genius in the political arena (I know about superdelegates, McCain's ongoing gaffes about Irag and Iran). They are impressed at my apparent knowledge of some of the latest medical news (let's talk stents versus surgery, the benefits of clinical trials, and, lest we forget, the importance of compression only CPR). And on Monday mornings, I can go on forever about the latest events that were on public television and public radio news (not to mention my favorite game show).

Not only that, but as I become this learned genius, I am also becoming a more active person. Why, it's a win-win situation.

And so, you may inquire, what exactly is it that I have been doing? What amazing exercise/current events program have I enrolled in? Where can a person go to become smart AND active simultaneously?

It's easy. I'm walking. I am walking, and listening to my podcasts. Several times a week, I update my recordings with the most recent news from various sources, as well as medical updates from a large medical/teaching hospital. Some of the newspapers also have daily health updates, so I get them, too.

There, you have my secret. It's so very interesting to be able to go outside (it is starting to warm up here in New England, which means I only wear two layers and a scarf, instead of snow pants and a hat), put these little earbuds into my head, and suddenly I am, as they say, off and running.

If the show is really interesting, I will walk the extra steps just to get to the end of it, whether its news or medical information. As a science geek, and a political junky, I have found this an enlightening and really quite painless experience.

I realize that not everyone shares my taste in radio/news shows, but I wanted to tell you one of the ways I have found to get walking into my daily routine without having to think about how painful it can be (not physically, just psychologically). I suppose it is a distraction for me, and I'm not thinking "oh dear, I need to walk another twenty minutes to meet my self prescribed goal." Rather I find myself thinking about the different people whose voices I've come to enjoy discuss current events.

Maybe you don't like politics, and that's possibly a good thing. You can find many other topics of interest to you on line-any one of which would feed your mind while improving your fitness. Music, cooking shows, why, many colleges post lectures that can be loaded onto music players to keep you company as you get your exercise.

My secret doesn't just apply to walking either, you know. You may not like to walk outside, but you can just as easily listen on any cycle or treadmill. Now, if you are a swimmer, I'm afraid I can't help you there.

So if you find yourself needing motivation to get moving, try my suggestion. You may not whistle while you work, but you can certainly listen while you walk.