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Another day, another workout trend.
If youre also new to the walking yoga trend, let me fill you in on what it means.
This is a low-impact workout combining slow-paced, nourishing yoga movement with walking and breathwork.
So far, so good.
What is walking yoga?
Walking yoga is a practice that combines yoga and breathwork with walking, Drozd explains.
It’s a simple mix of the physicalbenefits of walkingand the calm focus of yoga.
Youve probably already heard aboutwalking meditation, which involves taking a walk while usingbreathing techniquesor mantras.
Walking yoga builds on this by addingyoga poseswhile walking.
Mentally, at this stage, Im back with the downward dog mid-walk through South West London.
I think people now know more about their health and taking breaks, she says.
They step away from screens and take time to focus on themselves.
Walking yoga is a great way to do this.
These are good for steps, heart health and blood flow.
But now, more people are looking for ways to be present and aware.
Is yoga and walking a good combination?
At least, according to Drozd, it is.
This got me thinking about how disconnected Ive become from nature daily.
Could walking yoga be the solution?
That said, theres much to be said about connecting with nature more often.
One study published inScience Directfound it can boost creativity levels and improve mood.
But mentally, she credits the practice with reducing stress, improving concentration, enhancing mindfulness and lowering anxiety.
One thing I enjoyed about this challenge was getting space away from technology to focus on my breath.
Im still quite bad at practicing this, so I use somebreathing exercises for beginnerswhen I need them.
Unfortunately, Im a terrible phone scroller.
Admittedly, I felt calmer after an hour of walking, breathwork and a few yoga poses thrown in.
During this time, I couldnt focus on the past or future, just the present moment.
This heightened my senses of what I could see, smell and hear.
Breathwork also strengthens the diaphragm a major respiratory muscle and part of your core.
A strong core is responsible for posture and safe movement, among other things.
But theres nothing wrong with trying something different and learning what you like and dont like.
Without my coaching hat, Im not converted yet.
Its how I find my weekly dose of yogi zen.
However, I still enjoy mindful walking and focusing more on my breath.
I plan to revisit the challenge in the warmer months as spring approaches.
The idea of stretching out into a downward dog in a sun-dappled field appeals to me.
This could be a great time to throw in some extra yoga poses, and I intend to.
Until then, the jury is still out.
