- Chodziarz (The Walker) | Sculptor: Beata Zwolańska-Hołod
The Walker - A Dwarf that is Gone.
If you spent many years of your work sitting at a desk you may be in desperate need of a pair of Nordic Walking Sticks. Prolonged sitting can damage your vascular system. It can cripple you. People are meant to spend more time walking.
I’ve been sitting at work for more than a quarter of a century. One day I stood up and the meniscus in my left knee snapped. The pain was awful. But because my life would not stop just for that, I kept on hopping between the chair in the office and the chair in my car … and less than a month later my other knee was in pain too. A couple of X-rays and one MRI later I met with a surgeon who was ready to come to my rescue with a double knee replacement…
The timing was bad. I had to take an emergency trip to Poland. The ticket was already in my pocket, it could not be delayed.
I boarded a plane armed with anti-inflammatory pills, and twelve hours later landed in the beautiful city of Wrocław. As the plane lowered over the city, I was eagerly eyeing all the well-known streets below, planning where I would first walk.
Walk?! With these knees? Do I need a cane?!
The Walker (Chodziarz)
I saw this dwarf a couple of years back. Armed with two Walking Sticks he propelled himself down the busy Świdnicka street. Moving effortlessly, he whistled something happy.
And then I knew: I need a pair of these sticks!
Similar in design to ski poles, when used for walking they take away the impact from your legs, and KNEES, and increase your balance and stability!
So, I’ve got the sticks.
That trip involved lots of walking. But thanks to the poles I managed!
A couple of months later, when I was packing to fly back home, I knew that the walking poles go with me! They pretty much saved my life. Not only my knees were still carrying me around, but the distances I was able to cover cover expanded!
On the last day in Wrocław, I ended my goodbye stroll around the beautiful Old Town area by going down Świdnicka Street. I wanted to see again the dwarf Chodziarz… but he was not there!
Where is Krasnal Chodziarz? Does anyone know?
A couple of years passed, and my knees still work. I will not run marathons. After all, I AM a Baby Boomer, who DID spend over a quarter of a century sitting at a desk. But, nowadays you can also meet me striding around my neighborhood with the walking poles.
I am walking proof that walking is good for you, and Nordic Walking is just superb!
Start Walking!
Get a pair of Nordic Walking Sticks and go!
Leave the steamy, noisy, claustrophobic atmosphere of the gym and the pounding of the treadmill and reach for the fresh air and uplifting environment of the outdoors.
Nordic Walking can be done anywhere. From a few blocks around your neighborhood to a scenic adventure in the countryside.
I am not a doctor, and this, cannot be a medical recommendation.
If the doctor tells you that the arthritis is taking away your joints – he is often right. But exercise can help, and walking is a good exercise. It can help to recover after some medical treatments by preventing the decline of physical functions.
- It can help to lose weight and control blood sugar.
- It can be beneficial in rehabilitation programs for stroke and pulmonary problems.
- AND it can undoubtedly help to prevent the bone density loss associated with arthritis.
It takes a little practice to pick the paste of Nordic Walking.
Stand straight and walk tall. Your arms should swing in opposition to your legs – the right arm meets your left leg, and your left arm meets your right leg. As you get more proficient, your arm swing should extend behind your body, not come to a halt at your side. As you roll onto your toes, your heel should come off the ground, so a person standing behind should be able to see the soles of your shoes as you walk.
Take some friends with you.
The Trekking Poles can make a thoughtful holiday gift for all the outdoorsy (or out-of-shape) people in your life.
Remember:
You may walk faster alone, but in good company, you will get much further!
Really liked “I’ve been sitting at work for more than a quarter of a century. ”
What perspective! Great arc of a tale from sitting to taking action – so I boughta pair of poles..
Awesome post, very inspiring, keep em coming!
Thanks! True stories are often inspiring. Especially when they start with a test that life puts you through. That’s why we call them “testimonies”. 🙂