Why Walk?
There is much evidence to show that a regular brisk walk of 30 minutes on five days of the week or more, can improve people’s health in many ways.
Reasons To Start Walking
For your health:
Walking strengthens your heart, your bones and your muscles, whilst also helping to reduce high blood pressure and improve your heart and lung circulation.
Walking can help to control your weight and assist in the prevention and control of diabetes.
For your wealth:
Walking is free and can save you the bus fare or petrol. It’s also a great way to socialise for no cost at all.
For your happiness:
Walking improves your mood, can help combat depression and increase your confidence.
For your comfort:
Go for a walk in your local park or wood and discover how nature can reduce stress, and calm your mind, helping you to relax and sleep better.
For your joy:
You can walk with friends or join a walking group and discover just how much fun walking can be!
Some Tips For Getting Started
- Consult your doctor if you have any concerns about your health.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Walk with a friend or find your local Walking for Health group.
- Note your progress: for example, see how much easier it is to climb the stairs
- Try new places to walk.
You Can Build Walking Into Everyday Life By:
- Using the stairs instead of taking the lift.
- Walking the dog.
- Getting out for some fresh air at lunchtime.
- Walking the children to and from school.
- Getting off the bus a stop earlier.
- Walking to get the paper or to post a letter.
- Parking a little way off from where you are going.
- Taking a family stroll to ‘switch off’ and socialise.