WunderWalking: The Surprising Connection Between Exercise and Joy

It was around 2010 when I embarked on what I confidently refer to as WunderWalking. At the time, it was simply walking, but I quickly realized the potential of my routine. A vast park near my house featured a loop just shy of one mile, and let me tell you, it wasn’t an easy mile. Beginning at the top of a hill, the loop led down into a charming wooded trail. Naturally, every descent demands a corresponding ascent. One side of the park was steep, while the other offered a lengthy, gradual incline. I would alternate directions every other day to keep my body in tune with each challenge. Fifteen years ago, I discovered that I could loop for miles without succumbing to boredom or fatigue, provided I had music and the right attire. Many people I know crave variety in their routes, but I’ve found that familiarity with the path allows my mind to roam freely, opening the door for even more “wunder” to unfold.

Four easy loops quickly transformed into 6, 8, or even 10, depending on my pace and the quality of the music. When the sun shone, I aimed for an extended session, knowing that everyone in my house and some neighbors could easily track my whereabouts. That park was my sanctuary. It was the one place where I confronted and escaped my problems simultaneously. I built strength, determination, and grit while harnessing the natural endorphins from physical endurance, which outperformed any drug on the market and reshaped the way my mind processed life.

Being a gym girl with a degree in Exercise Science, I’ve totally become a pro at the art of lifting heavy stuff and then putting it back down. I’m strong, solid, and fit, but don’t ask me to run; that’s not my jam. I’d much rather tackle heavy objects and push my endurance to hilariously lift them a hundred times—because why not? When I mix in some long cardio sessions with my lifting, folks start thinking I’m training for an Olympic event or something. Spoiler alert: I’m not a race girl! I do love a good challenge, though, like trying to beat someone in front of me or making deals with myself for a treat if I conquer the hill without collapsing. And let me tell you, rolling around the same park day after day, smashing through miles of movement has somehow turned into a silent retreat for my mind—who knew exercise could be so zen?

Later I discovered that sunshine, uplifting music, and even just an hour of movement not only promoted fat loss but also brought the exhilarating “runner’s high” into my life, filling me with a surge of endorphins that created a wonderful sense of euphoria and tranquility I once thought was impossible. As my skin tanned and my playlist grew more vibrant, my thoughts became clearer. The challenges that once seemed insurmountable began to reveal their solutions, lighting up my mind with bright “this way” signs. At times, the relief is so immense that I find myself pausing in awe. Everything that was once bottled up has been wonderfully set free.

I didn’t invent walking.

Or discover the benefits of endorphins.

Or how vitamin D and music therapy are good for us on a cellular level.

But this little method of mine (“I’m gonna let it shine”)—WunderWalking—is a game changer for mental clarity, visualization, and creating space for your brain to effectively process and prune information. I may have forgotten about it for a time, but life simply got in the way, and I convinced myself that the treadmill was sufficient because it fit my routine. However, that didn’t encompass all the essential components. Merely walking further to hit my step count lacked the crucial element of music. Breaking walks up into 15 or 20-minute sessions wasn’t enough to stimulate those endorphins. No, there’s a unique beauty to WunderWalks. Now that I’ve rediscovered them, I strongly encourage you to try this method for yourself.

Share with me if you do! I’d love to hear your story.