Walking

Get out for a brisk walk a few times a week and you’ll soon start to feel the benefits.

WHAT IS WALKING?

Well…you probably know what walking is already, so it would be better if we told you why walking is a great activity! Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active and become healthier. Walking is ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels who want to move more.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Regular walking has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, stroke and some forms of cancer. It is also one of the most easy forms of exercise to access. All you need is the time and motivation to get walking, either in the gym or out in the fresh air. As your fitness improves you can start to increase your pace to a quicker race walk if you’re feeling adventurous!

IS IT FOR ME?

If you want an activity that fits in with your daily routine then walking is great for many people. Leave a little earlier and walk to work, walk to the shops or use stairs instead of a lift – it all helps. We’re all twice as likely to reach our exercise goals if we work out with someone else – so why not arrange a regular stroll with a friend, partner or relative. To maximise the health benefits from walking, it needs to be of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. In other words, it needs to be faster than a stroll.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

  • A bottle of water
  • Comfortable clothes and shoes
  • Motivation to move