Tarannum Sattar

At around 8.30 pm every night, I get dressed in tights and sweats, plug my earphones in and head out to the streets to do some walking as a part of exercise. Also, it serves the purpose of spending some time with me. Although there is a park just 10 minutes away from my house, I prefer walking in the neighborhood, which is a well-known place for the local joggers.
The road where I jog is a part of the main boulevard of the residential area. The specialty of this road is that the four ends are connected to each other, giving it a shape of “D”, which makes it possible for the joggers to go round and round instead of hitting a dead end and walking back.
Furthermore, the place is highly secured with four guards at each point, thanks to the house of a Brigadier for the privilege that we get.
The walking zone comes to life at the time of the late evening when people come out of their houses to do the outdoorsy activities. Men and women of all age walk and run, children cycle around the walkers wiggling their way out with caution. Teenage boys come out to walk and talk with their buddies, carefully hiding their cigarettes from the “aunties” and showing a sign of “salaam” with the left hand, apparently out of nervousness because the other hand is simply blocked.
There are, of course, some concerned non-walker uncles of the society who come out of their house too but apparently just to sit and watch the walkers and smoke a few cigarettes while discussing the issues that need to be taken care of. Yes, quite literally, they watch.
Beating all odds, the place turns into all almost budding playground. The pace of the walkers changes with the weather but the faces remain the same. Despite a few exceptions, there are a scattered numbers of regulars including me who walk on a daily basis. There is a group of ten to

twelve “societal aunties” nicknamed “Gossip Girls” who talk more and walk less. They make occasional promises to each other of keeping the “secrets” discussed among them hidden. (Although I only get to hear them in the seconds between my track changes but boy, that is some promise.) The other is a bunch of uncles who I call “The Boys”. There are three of them who are office goers but enjoy the brisk walk and company. There are other walker uncles/boys too, one of who doesn’t have the ability to speak but still meets and greets every single walker with his wonderful sign language. We are yet to to be introduced to each other. (Can’t wait)
The assortment of the “The Boys” and “The Gossip Girls” make the whole place a vibrant example of what it is like to be in an actual ramp walk, even though the models here are dressed in with hijab, kamiz and “maxi dresses”.
On the side note, there exists a cat woman, who actually does the catwalk on a given time. (*winks*)
Walking, in itself is a wonder. It is the most accessible, cheapest and the smartest way of exercising. And it’s free! All you really need is a pair of shoes that will let your feet fly about at an immense pace for about 40 minutes daily. I walk because I feel good about being with myself and I end up listening to a lot of music which is a mood shifter and also I am doing myself a huge favor!

Other than giving your body and mind a shape, walking also hinders ageing. Followed, are eight benefits of walking that I read about in Tesco Living:

– Walking makes your heart stronger; the emotions lie intact though.
– Walking boosts your immunity system and reduces risks of disease.
– Of course, it keeps you in shape.
– Prevents dementia.
– If you want to tone up your legs and back and belly effortlessly, walk!
– Lacking vitamin D but don’t want to expose your skin to the sun? Walk.
– It gives you positive energy.
– Walking keeps you happy. Scientifically proven, it creates endorphins that reduce anxiety and stress.
I walk because I love myself. Exercise is a compulsory part of your life regardless of what form it comes in. Walk, swim, run or cycle at least for an hour if you don’t have time for gym. “Walk a long way for a longer life”.

Writer is a poet and essayist.