Comp and soc 7

Strolling

A wooded area is an ideal locale for an evening stroll.

To walk along or through at a leisurely pace. Strolling is a past time and activity enjoyed world wide as a leisure activity. The object of strolling is to walk at a slightly slower pace in an attempt to absorb the serene surroundings. Some areas of the world are more suitable and conducive to strolling.

Distinction from walking

Strolling is distinct from walking due to the leisure element that is intregral to the activity. Although a person may stroll from one location to another as a means of transportation, the utility of strolling is the relaxed and reduced of pace at which the person moves.

Strolling Instructions

Dress For The Occasion

Before you embark on your stroll you may wish to take into consideration your attire. Strolling lends itself well to light and flexible fabrics that allow the stroller to easily move and stretch without restraint. Make sure your shoes fit well and are flexible to bend with the foot while strolling..(Depending on the weather, dressing in layers allows you to take off layers as you warm up and put layers back on if you feel cool. Wearing sunglasses while strolling outdoors helps prevent UV exposure .

Pick Your Path

Strollers have a wide variety of strolling paths to choose from. While some strollers prefer the predictability of the suburban sidewalk; others might like the wild adventure of a local park path or lightly wooded area. While some routs may lend themselves to uphill strollers, others might appeal to the downhill strolling patron. Scenic routes are great for motivation. Having fun and enjoying your surroundings while taking a stroll is important. Some research suggests that simply being outdoors, especially in more "natural" surroundings, has a positive effect on your health .. Great locations for a stroll are routes that lead through parks, include greenery, woodland, that are near lakes and rivers. Low traffic roads or even a "promoted route" are ideal.

Your Entertainment

Many traditional strollers enjoy clean, natural strolling, however, a new trend has popped up among many young strollers today; this trend includes providing oneself with musical accompaniment while on a stroll. A study published in 2002 by Ohio State University researchers found that lung disease patients who listened to music while walking walked an average of 19 miles a week - four more miles than the control group who didn't listen to music while walking. This confirms what many of us find to be true - music helps distract you from the effort of exercise and makes it a more pleasurable experience.

Cool down

After returning from a stroll it is always good practice to rehydrate oneself. This is a good step to follow during and after strolling. Proper hydration is especially important during exercise. Adequate fluid intake is essential for comfort, performance and safety ..

Strolling comfort may be maximize with proper footwear.

Off the beaten path

People walking from point A to point B may be more likely to choose the most direct path. Since strolling is not primarily a transportation method, strolling may lead pedestrians to scenic routes. Cities which provide scenic attractions may attract tourism based on the opportunity for strolling (See Strolling Locales).

Strolling and Love

Popular culture has entangled the act of strolling with lovers. Songs such as Hump De Bump – Red Hot Chili Peppers suggest "taking a stroll down Love street" or figuratively strolling down the emotion of love.

Health Outcomes

Strolling is one of the easiest types of exercise because it requires no equipment and it can be done in most types of settings. All you need is a good pair of shoes that are comfortable and have good traction. Strolling has many health benefits if done regularly. Canada’s Physical Activities Guide recommends adults get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. In order to achieve 60 minutes a day you can divide your work out in to 10 minute increments. The suggested number of steps recommended to take a day is 10, 000 steps of strolling a day. You can measure your steps by using a pedometer.

As people get older, they tend to be less active which increases the risk of chronic disease. Strolling is one of the easiest ways for adults to continue to be physically active and maintain a healthy life style. According to Canada’s physical activity guide “Approximately 4 of 5 Canadians have at least one modifiable risk factor for chronic disease”.

There are many health benefits to strolling. It helps in preventing and decreasing your chances of developing chronic diseases such as: • Obesity • Falls and injuries • Adult-onset diabetes • Osteoporosis • Stroke • Depression • Colon cancer • High blood pressure It also helps builds up body strength, stamina and reduces stress. Walking improves a person’s self-esteem and body image which can help reduces depression and anxiety levels.

Precautions

Technological advances have vastly contributed to the lifestyle of the strolling enthusiast.

From the hours between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm when the UV index is greater than 3, you should avoid being outside for a lengthy period of time. It is recommended to apply sunscreen with the SPF 15 or higher that will protect you from UV and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outside and re-apply 20 minutes later. Sunscreen should be used on cloudy, hazy or foggy days. It is also suggested to wear sunglasses that have UVA and UVB protection.

In the summer time when most people like to stroll, they have to also be aware of being bitten by mosquitoes which can cause the West Nile Virus. “West Nile Virus (WNV) is a virus carried by mosquitoes that infects mainly birds. Other animals including people can also be infected” . Mosquitoes are most active at night, especially during dusk and dawn. Wear light color clothing, long sleeve shirts, long pants, shoes and socks . It is also suggested to wear insect repellent.

Begin by walking at a slower pace to allow muscle and joints in the body to warm up and get loose. After a few minutes you can begin to stroll at a faster pace. If you are walking for a lengthy period of time it is advised you wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes to prevent bruising and soreness in the foot. If walking outside in warm weather is becomes more important to drink water before, during and after the walk to prevent dehydration.

At the end of the stroll it is suggested that you cool down by decreasing your speed to prevent muscle stiffness and soreness.

Popular strolling locales

Times Square is a challenging, yet popular, strolling location

Providing locales conducive to strolling may generate tourism for a city. Many cities have famous areas which provide a perfect opportunity to stroll. For example, Times Square, New York, NY (pictured above), provides many eye capturing billboards. Although this location is a major business intersection, the numerous references to the area in popular culture, literature, and film, have made it an attractive strolling location.

Strolling tourists beneath the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, located in Paris, France, is another prime example of a terrific location to commence a stroll. Wide open spaces and a world reknowned landmark create a popular locale for strolling enthusiasts.

Strolling in Pop Culture

References to strolling are prominant in several media, including Music, Film, and Literature.

Strolling in Music

Strolling is featured in various song titles (such as The Diamonds' song "The Stroll") and lyrics. References to strolling are often associated with Love or tranquility, such as in the Red Hot Chili Peppers' lyrics from Hump De Bump "taking a stroll down Love street" - figuratively strolling down the emotion of love. Strolling has also been an inspirational tool for artists. Radio Head Vocalist Thom Yorke was reportedly inspired to write the song "I Might Be Wrong" while strolling.

Other songs relevant to strolling include:

• Honky Tonk Women - Rolling Stones

In the song Honky Tonk Woman by the Rolling Stones

"Strolling on the boulevards of Paris, as naked as the day that I will die/The sailors, ..."

• I Might Be Wrong - Radio Head

Radio Head Vocalist Thom Yorke inspired to write the song while strolling ”.

• The Stroll – The Diamonds

• Mrs. Robinson – Simon & Garfunkel

"Stroll around the grounds until you feel at home."

• Hump De Bump – Red Hot Chili Peppers

"taking a stroll down Love street" – figuratively strolling down the emotion of love.

Strolling in Movies

Strolling has been the theme of various films over the past century. Dating back as early as 1904, films in a variety of languages have featured strolling in their titles.

• The Fountain in the Park (1904) - (Alternative title) "While Strolling in the Park One Day"
• Lovers on the Sands (1904) – (Alternative title) "Stroll on the Sands"
• Strolling Home with Angelina (1906)
• Out for a Stroll (1915)
• Master Shakespeare, Strolling Player (1916)
• Strolling Minstrels (1921)
• Strolling Thru the Park (1949)
• Lapromenade de Peter Aerts (1999) – a.k.a. "Peter Aerts' Stroll" (English Title)
• Progulka (2003) – "The Stroll" (English Title)
• Chaplin Anniversary Edition: Strolling Into the Sunset (2008)
• Stroll in the Afternoon (2009)

Strolling in Literature

• Strolling Through (put city name here): This is a series of guide books on good places to stroll

• The Strolling Saint – Rafael Sabatini

• A God Strolling in the Cool of the Evening: A Novel – Mario de Carvalho and Gregory Rabassa

• Strolling with Out Kin: Speakingfor and Respecting Voiceless Animals – Marc Bekoff

• Strolling About on the Roof of theWorld – Hugh Leach

• Wild Oats or the Strolling Gentlemen – John O'Keeffe and Mrs. Inchbald

• Strolling Players – Alice Dwyer-Joyce

• Strolling with an Advark Through Ramona - Virgil G. Bradshaw

• Strolling Down Country Roads – Twila Valentine

• Bonnie May: A Strolling Player Comes– Louis Dodge

• Hike to Be Fit…Strolling with John– John N. Merrill

• Strolling with the One I Love

Other References

Strolling Players

During the Tudor period in England, travelling theatre groups (known as "strolling players") toured the country delievering theatrical performances. One of the most popular plays performed by these strolling players was Robin Hood . The English government of the period was concerned that plays such as Robin Hood would promote rebellious acts. The emergence of theBlack deathalso increased fear that the strolling players would be responsible for spreading disease. The strolling players were subsequently banned in 1572. The only actors allowed to perform around the country were those who were employed by noblemen .