By: Aadil Khan

I used to stay indoors a lot. I would be what is called a “couch body,” sitting or laying down most of the day, tired 24/7. Going to the gym seemed like such a daunting endeavor and when you think of exercise, going for a walk was the last option that would’ve popped in my mind. One day with a friend, I went for a walk along Buffalo’s Canalside area. The fresh air, and background sounds of the water, birds chirping, people laughing, and wind blowing instantly made me feel more at peace.

I walked again the next day, and the day after that. Walking further and longer each day became a fun challenge for myself. Reaching a certain number of steps a day became a checkpoint and eventually, a habit for myself. I first walked for roughly 25 minutes, reaching the same area of a path before turning back around. As time went on those 25 minutes turned to 35, then 45, or even maybe a half a mile longer. I also discovered completely new areas that were previously unbeknownst to me. Walking on the Ellicott Creek Trail and turning the corner, seeing the Amherst Memorial Hill Grove was a surprise. It makes me wonder what else is nearby that I never ventured to visit before, and it pushes me to explore my own home city!

Of course, the days came when I was unsure if I wanted to walk due to the weather, or my own aversion to leaving the comfort of my house. However, building the habit of reaching a step goal, and combining it with previously built daily habits such as, listening to music or watching a show made those walks breeze by and I would forget even being hesitant about walking. Walking has become a meditative ritual for me now. I found my previous constant mental fog reduced to barely being there, and when I walk, it is completely gone. I feel more mobile, more energetic, and I constantly feel like I can walk further and further. This new habit has also paved the way to reconnecting to consistently going to the gym.

As you consistently walk further for longer, eventually you ask yourself, why not just go to the gym as well and keep pushing yourself further? What started as a simple “walk in the park,” has led to a routine to follow, a refresh for myself mentally and physically, and a reminder that small choices can compound to bigger ones. Now every path, trail, or sidewalk I find myself on reinforces me to keep walking further, enjoy nature, and find what else is out there.