The Spirited Walker: Fitness Walking For Clarity, Balance, and Spiritual Connection (Paperback)

by Carolyn S. Kortge (Author) "It had turned into one of those too-familiar days..." (more)
Key Phrases: spirited walking, walking practice, target heart range, United States, Machu Picchu, Santiago de Compostela (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Mindless exercise may improve circulation and trim fat, but what does it do for the being within the body? Instead of zoning out (reading magazines on the treadmill, planning shopping lists while jogging), Carolyn Scott Kortge encourages readers to zone into the exercise through mindful walking. Like yoga, spirited walking is a form of meditation in motion, offering physical rewards as well as mental and spiritual benefits. The wonderful irony of conscious exercise is that by giving the mind a steady focus, you get the rest you seek, writes Kortge. Kortge, who has extensive journalism experience, offers clarity and personal anecdotes, as well as specific advice. Topics include breath work, affirmations, how to structure a meaningful walking routine, maintaining motivation, and embarking on a walking pilgrimage. --Gail Hudson

Review
"After leading thousands of people, a few at a time, on hiking trails of every description, I am convinced of the transformative potential of walking. Carolyn has written a work that spans the continuum from practical to profound, gently guiding us into what is ultimately a spiritual journey." -- Mark Black, Hiking Director/Canyon Ranch Tucson

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne; 1 edition (April 21, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060647361
• ISBN-13: 978-0060647360
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #298,807 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #52 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Exercise & Fitness > Walking
  #56 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Personal Health > Stress > Mind-Body Connection

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 95 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great motivation booster for the seasoned exerciser!, July 15, 1999

By A Customer

I have been exercising for many years now. At the time of reading Kortge's book I was recovering from a form of chronic fatigue syndrome and looking for an exercise that did not compromise my recovery. This was it! In the past I had turned my nose up at walking; I was after all a runner! But this book changed my ways. Each morning before I exercised I read a chapter and was able to apply all that I had learned on my walk. It is one of those books that I didn't want to end. Spending a 1/2 hour with Kortge in the morning was a great way to start my day. (By the way I am now back to running and the principles still apply.)

What makes the book special is there is a fine mix of theory, stories, practice and it is written with an energy that is encouraging, motivational and spiritual. I highly recommend this book to the novice walker and seasoned exerciser.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of inspirational gems and practical advice, June 13, 2001

By A Customer

This book is terrific for a beginner or experienced walker. She will get you out your door and moving! It's very easy to read, and conducive to looking at a chapter or two at a time. She writes especially well about working through mental blocks, and assures the reader that *every* walker has a moment in *every* work-out when s/he wants to give up. She also gives sound advice about stretching and walking form with some simple illustrations. She encourages readers to connect to their own spirituality without espousing a particular religion or belief system. I no longer wear headphones regularly when I walk because of this book: she's helped me turn my walks into truly active meditation, refreshing me mentally with every step. I tried one of her ideas of silently repeating a phrase while I walk ("I am fit, and I am strong") -- and it powered me through hundreds of training miles and my first marathon! Share this book with friends who think they're not athletes, and watch her inspire them to change their self-perception. Great advice for a 15-minute or 15-mile walk, and highly recommended by this Team in Training marathon alumna and Avon 3-Day Walk veteran.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Doing it!, July 10, 2001

By A Customer

I've found this book remarkably helpful. As one who has not exercised for some time due to health problems, I am just getting back into exercise by walking. I'm finding this book helpful with ideas of how to walk to keep things interesting and moving forward physically and mentally. It also keeps me inspired. I read a little every couple days just to keep my interest and inspiration levels up. I've found it very helpful and would recommend it to anyone, whether a beginner at exercise or one who has been walking physically but would like more "spirit" in it.