Walter Says: “Why I Keep Moving (And Why You Should Too)”
A tree without roots is dead. …..Anonymous
Let me take you back for a second.
A while ago, I was the guy sitting too much, eating too much, and feeling… not enough. Not strong enough. Not energetic enough. Not present enough. I was grieving, gaining weight, and sliding further away from the man I used to be.
And then I got some news I couldn’t ignore:
My heart was running at half power.
My weight was climbing.
My hope? Shrinking.
I thought I’d missed my window to turn things around. But then something clicked. I looked at a photo of my four grandkids. And I said to myself:
“Walter, you’re not done yet. You still got a shot.”
And my goal became crystal clear:
I want to be able to walk uphill with my two youngest grandkids—one in each arm. That’s it. That’s the vision. That’s my reason.
So I got moving. And I haven’t looked back.
⸻
🏃♂️ What Movement Is Doing for Me
These days, I walk more. I stretch. I lift light weights. I play a little backyard catch. I’ve even dabbled in a game of pickup basketball (don’t laugh—I scored once!).
Here’s what’s changing:
• My weight is coming down. Slowly, but it’s real.
• My muscles feel alive again. I can carry groceries without groaning. I can bend down without feeling like I need a forklift to get back up.
• My balance is better. My posture’s better. I feel steadier on my feet.
• My heart and lungs are stronger. I can breathe easier. My blood pressure is coming down.
• I’ve got more energy. No more afternoon crashes. I can keep up with the grandkids—and even beat them to the door sometimes.
• I’m sleeping better. And when I wake up, I’m not dragging like I used to.
⸻
💪🏾 What Movement Protects Me From
I’ve learned that physical activity isn’t just about looking good—it’s about staying here. It lowers your risk for just about everything that tries to take you out:
• Heart disease? Lowered.
• Type 2 diabetes? Cut in half.
• High blood pressure? Controlled.
• Colon, bladder, and breast cancer? Reduced risk—big time.
• Dementia? Up to 30% less likely.
• Osteoporosis and arthritis? Less pain, more strength.
• Falls and fractures? Less likely with stronger legs, better balance.
• Depression, anxiety, and stress? All calmed down with every step, swing, and stretch.
And the best part?
• My confidence is up.
• My mood is lifted.
• My mind is sharper.
• And I’m starting to feel something I haven’t felt in years: empowered.
⸻
🔁 From Isolation to Connection
Movement got me out of the house.
Movement got me talking to neighbors again.
Movement gave me a sense of control, and it gave me myself back.
When you’re out there moving—whether it’s pickleball, touch football, dancing in your living room, or just walking around the block—you start to feel like part of the world again. You smile more. You become more sociable without even trying. And guess what? You start learning new things. Your brain grows with your body.
⸻
🔥 Final Thought: Get That Rush
I’m not here to preach. I’m just here to tell you that I feel a rush of health every time I move now. A rush of clarity. A rush of “I still got it.” A rush that reminds me of when I was 20, lean, strong, hopeful—and ready for anything.
If you’re on the fence about getting started, let me say this:
Don’t wait to feel motivated. Move anyway—and the motivation will meet you there.
I’m Walter. I move because I want to live well, not just long. I move because I’ve got grand-babies to carry uphill. I move because I want you to know it’s never too late.
And of course—
I’m not a doctor, and I don’t play one on TV. Always check with your physician before making health changes.
