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Walkability Study
Kris Singleton
INTRODUCTION:
Kris is a proponent of walking who, through regular walking, went from 242
pounds to 160 pounds in one year. Kris says: "I saw a picture of myself, and
thought I looked like a hot air balloon. Reality set in, and I said it's time to
do something—this is something that I can change. I just didn't want to live
like this anymore."
Walking has helped Kris become involved in life. After losing more than 80
pounds, she not only coaches her daughter's basketball team, but another JV team
as well. She also continues to walk because it is the cheapest, easiest way to
burn calories and fat and get muscle tone. "I just love it," she says.
WHY DO YOU WALK?
I never exercised before in my life. I was always one of those people who just
sat in front of the TV. But with all of my health problems, I had to do
something. I needed something that I could do. I have neuropathy, and I cannot
do many forms of exercise. I have no feeling in my legs. It has progressed into
my thighs and arms now. I cannot lift weights or do any kind of exercise that
takes a lot of pressure.
I made a personal choice to take up walking because I wanted to do something
to help myself. I put leg weights on and just go. Now, I walk to teach me and my
children to be fit and because I enjoy it. It has been one of the best things
I've ever done for myself.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WALKING?
Walking is a great stress reducer. I can walk anywhere. I am proud that my
children have taken up walking. My kids will say to me on a nice day, "Hey, this
is good day to be on the trail."
Walking also has helped me eliminate many other bad habits in my life. I quit smoking and have started drinking a lot of water. Once I started walking, the smoking had to go. I was determined to stop and didn't use any kind of aid. I just quit.
Drinking a lot of water helps me to feel better. Now, my kids prefer water.
They rarely ever finish a 20-ounce soda. They open it but it usually sits in the
refrigerator for three days before it's finished. I buy bottled water, and the
kids go for the water before the soda. They take water to bed with them.
WHAT IS YOUR TOUGHEST OBSTACLE TO WALKING?
I have neuropathy. That means I have no feeling in my legs. When I first started
walking, it was from about my knees down. It's progressed since then to my
thighs and arms. My toughest obstacle is when I have to wear casts on my feet to
relieve pressure from ulcers that form on my feet.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR NEW WALKERS?
Start out slowly. Use a pedometer and total your steps after seven days. Pick
that seventh day as your weigh-in day. Get a buddy and drink lots of water. Take
vitamins to make sure you are getting enough nutrition.
WHAT IS THE COOLEST BENEFIT OF WALKING?
Spending time with my family is one of the coolest benefits. I am able to walk
with my girls. We go to the trail, and they roller blade while I walk. We walk
to the pool and back home on the trail. I want my kids to grow up healthy and
not have to fight with their weight like I've had to.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SURPRISE ABOUT WALKING?
The biggest surprise is how I look today. I went from a size 22 to a size 11.
I'm half my original size. I started walking September 24, 2003, and just wanted
to get healthy. I am still walking and have my two daughters walking right by my
side.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I hope that this will motivate someone to get moving on their own, drug free. If
you have the determination, you can do anything.