I’ll be honest with you — when I first started walking, it wasn’t because I loved movement or had a deep passion for fitness. It was because it was the only thing I could physically do.
In the summer of 2022, I found myself weighing 389 pounds, overwhelmed, anxious, and feeling like I had hit rock bottom. I was desperate for change but unsure where to begin. I didn’t have the confidence to join a gym. Even the thought of walking on a treadmill in front of others made my stomach turn.
So, I did the one thing I could manage — I laced up my sneakers and started walking around my neighborhood. At first, it was just one block. Nothing fancy, nothing groundbreaking, but it was consistent. Every morning at 6 AM, before the world fully woke up, I was out there putting one foot in front of the other.
Block by block, I built momentum. One block turned into two, then three, and eventually, entire neighborhood loops. And slowly but surely, something shifted inside me.
Almost immediately, I noticed that walking wasn’t just about movement — it was about peace. My nerves calmed. My anxiety softened. For the first time in a long time, I felt free.
Yes, my knees were sore at first, but with the help of collagen and consistency, they began to feel stronger. By January 2023, I was down 40 pounds. Was nutrition part of it? Absolutely. But I swear to you — walking played a huge role.
Even now, walking remains my go-to for mental clarity, emotional regulation, and physical progress. I am living proof that walking works, especially in midlife. And not just because doctors say so — but because I’ve lived it.
From a Health Perspective
According to research from the Mayo Clinic and American Heart Association, walking is one of the best low-impact cardiovascular exercises, especially beneficial for women entering their 40s, 50s, and beyond. Why?
• It’s gentle on joints (especially when paired with proper shoes, collagen, and post-walk stretching).
• It improves cardiovascular health, lowering your risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure — major concerns for midlife women.
• It boosts metabolism and helps with weight loss by encouraging daily calorie burn and improving insulin sensitivity.
• It supports bone health, which is crucial as bone density naturally declines during perimenopause and menopause.
• It helps regulate hormones, which can go haywire during midlife transitions.
The best part? Walking is accessible, no matter your size, fitness level, or age. It meets you exactly where you are.
As a woman who is actively becoming a certified life coach and passionately helping midlife women, I want you to hear this — walking is not just movement; it’s a mindset tool.
Walking gives you space to process your thoughts, regulate emotions, and find clarity. For me, walking became a space where I could check in with myself — no noise, no judgment, no pressure.
It’s where I’ve brainstormed creative ideas, reflected on difficult seasons, and made important life decisions. It is also where I listen to audiobooks, personal growth podcasts, or even scroll social media guilt-free.
Walking, for me and so many midlife women I coach and connect with, becomes a daily reset button — mentally, emotionally, and physically.
We don’t talk enough about how mental health in midlife needs extra care. Anxiety, depression, emotional overwhelm, and identity loss are common during this stage. Walking naturally helps combat these feelings:
• It lowers cortisol (the stress hormone).
• It releases endorphins (the feel-good hormones).
• It creates daily structure, which is essential for navigating life transitions like empty nesting, divorce, or career shifts.
• It reconnects you to yourself, helping you feel empowered and capable.
Every walk you take is like telling your mind and body: I am worth caring for. And that shift is life-changing.
1.Start small & stay consistent — One block is enough. One step is enough.
2.Make it enjoyable — Listen to a podcast, playlist, or even use it as your “scroll time.”
3.Track your progress — Not for perfection, but for awareness.
4.Take it outside when possible — Fresh air and sunshine are healing in ways we underestimate.
5.Join a community — If you’re on Instagram, find women like me who are also walking through midlife — you are not alone.
Since that first block in 2022, walking has been a constant companion in my midlife awakening.
During winter, I turned to my gym’s treadmill and even invested in a walking pad for my den. But nothing compares to those spring and summer mornings in Cleveland — hearing the birds sing, smelling freshly cut grass, and feeling the breeze on my face.
This year, I’m committed to exploring the beautiful Metroparks of Northeast Ohio, with their award-winning trails, lakes, rivers, and boardwalks. It’s my way of blending wellness with joy, beauty, and connection to nature.
Walking is more than a daily habit — it’s been part of my rebirth. As I continue to lose weight, improve my health, and grow into the woman I’m becoming, I will always come back to the simplicity and power of walking.
If you are a midlife woman — whether you are at the beginning of your health journey or deep in your reinvention — I invite you to take that first step.
Walk for your body.
Walk for your mind.
Walk for your midlife awakening.
And if you need a community, guidance, or just someone cheering for you — I’m here.
With love and confidence,
Jax Stys
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