Roving yourself... to good health

Merriman-Webster defines roving (adj)-- going to many different places

That dictionary adds the following definitions for roving -- a: not restricted as to location or area of concern. b: capable of being shifted from place to place: mobile. 2. inclined to ramble or stray <a roving fancy>

Roving is also a term used in a book entitled "Live Longer Now" co-authored by Nathan Pritikin, John Leonard, and J.L. Homer in 1974. The following ideas are taken from pages 181-197 of the book.

Roving for these authors is an exercise, a combination of running and walking.... "that gives you the most return for your investment."

"Roving is a combination of walking and running with you in the pilot's seat."

Think of the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico and los viejos of Vilcabamba, Ecuador who remain vigorous in old age thanks to the long walking regimen inherent to their lifestyle. Cholesterol levels remain low and their heart health exceeds the artery-clogging lifestyle of modern man. We have chosen four wheels and an internal combustion engine over the use of our two legs. We pay a physical price and suffer a spiritual loss-- missing out on the sense of relaxation that comes with extended walking.

Pritikin and his fellow authors point out that man is "the only animal that travels, both slow and fast, on two legs." They continue "He has a graceful striding, gait that will carry him equally well at a snail's pace or a sprinters."

And that is the key... I had a gym coach in my freshman year at college. He suggested that we run or job a lap around the track and alternate with a walking lap. This seemed a bit uncool to a macho college student. Soon I noticed how altering the pace increased my ability to spend more time on the track and cover greater distances. And therein lies the answer... "The central principle in roving is to cover a lot of ground, but do it in your own good time."

Select a roving distance for yourself, anywhere from a few blocks to 6-10 miles, based on your level of conditioning. "Rove that distance four to five times each week."

"One of the most important (benefits) is to increase the efficiency by which your body delivers oxygen to its various tissues. Oxygen delivery is improved in a number of ways.. Brand new circulation is actually developed due to roving, with the growth of new capillaries to carry more blood to the body's muscles. This new circulation, called collateral circulation, enable the heart to deliver more blood to the muscles with each beat of the heart."

You will be amazed at the results!