Walking for Health

Walking is the perfect exercise because it’s simple, natural, and accessible to everyone. It doesn’t require any special equipment or specific levels of fitness, and it can be done almost anywhere. The benefits are numerous, from improving physical health to boosting mental wellbeing.

No, you don’t need to have a minimum level of fitness to walk. The walks are over easy terrain and at a steady pace to suit everyone, regardless of their fitness level.

Walking is a simple yet powerful form of exercise that can bring numerous benefits to our physical and mental health. Unfortunately, our population is becoming less active with each passing year, with physical inactivity being associated with one in six deaths in the UK and costing the nation £7.4 billion annually, including £0.9 billion to the NHS alone. Despite the known benefits of physical activity, many people are not aware of its significance and do not engage in enough exercise to maintain good health. In fact, around one in three men and one in two women are not active enough. Moreover, physical activity tends to decrease with age, particularly in older years, and people with disabilities or long-term conditions are twice as likely to be inactive.

However, there is a unique opportunity to encourage people to be more active. A recent study shows that one in four people would be more active if advised by a healthcare professional. The UK Chief Medical Officers’ Guidelines recommend adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a mixture of both each week, along with two days of strengthening activities and reducing extended periods of sitting.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/physical-activity-applying-all-our-health/physical-activity-applying-all-our-health

An active walk is usually 3 miles per hour, faster than a leisurely walk. To check if you’re walking actively, you should be able to talk while walking but not easily sing. The Active 10 app can also tell you if your pace is fast enough.

Walking is a simple and easy way to improve your health, including managing asthma symptoms. Here’s how it can help:

Better breathing: Walking helps increase lung capacity and improve breathing, making it easier to breathe.

Less stress: Stress and anxiety can trigger asthma, but walking has been shown to reduce stress levels.

Better breathing pattern: Walking can help improve how you breathe, reducing the risk of shortness of breath.

Stronger immunity: Regular walking can strengthen your immune system, reducing the risk of respiratory infections.

It’s important to be careful and listen to your body when starting to walk for exercise. Start with short walks and gradually increase the intensity and duration. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor.

Walking is a great form of low-impact exercise that can help manage asthma symptoms, improve overall health, and increase physical activity. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced walker, taking a brisk walk for just 10-15 minutes a day can bring many benefits.

Here’s how walking may help those affected by cancer:

Boosts physical fitness: Regular walking can help improve physical fitness, increase energy levels, and reduce fatigue, making it easier to carry out daily activities and improve overall quality of life.

Reduces stress and anxiety: Cancer related treatments can be stressful and anxiety-inducing, but walking has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, helping individuals better manage emotionally.

Promotes better sleep: Cancer and its treatments can impact sleep, but walking has been shown to improve sleep quality and help individuals get a better night’s rest.

It’s important to note that while walking can be a great form of exercise for those affected by cancer, it’s essential to be cautious and always listen to your body. Start with short walks and gradually increase the intensity and duration.

Here’s how walking can help manage diabetes:

Balances blood sugar levels: Walking can help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity, making it easier to control blood glucose levels.

Reduces risk of heart disease: People with diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease, but regular physical activity like walking can reduce this risk by improving heart health.

Aids weight management: Walking can help with managing your weight, which is important for those with diabetes as being overweight can make it harder to control blood glucose levels.

Relieves stress: Stress can cause spikes in blood glucose levels, but walking has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.

Boosts energy: Regular walking can increase energy levels and improve overall physical and mental wellbeing, making it easier to manage diabetes.

Incorporating walking into your daily lifestyle can bring numerous benefits for people with diabetes. Even a slow and steady walk for just 10-15 minutes a day can make a big difference in managing diabetes and improving overall health.

Walking is a simple and easy way to boost your mental wellbeing and overall happiness. Here’s how taking a walk can help improve your mental health:

Relieves stress and anxiety: Walking can help reduce stress and anxiety levels by allowing you to clear your mind and focus on your surroundings. The act of moving and breathing deeply can help calm the mind and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Boosts mood: Regular walking has been shown to release endorphins, which are the body’s feel-good chemicals. This can help boost your mood and how you feel.

Improves sleep: A regular walking routine has been linked to improved sleep patterns.

Boosts self-esteem: Walking and being physically active can boost self-esteem and confidence, as you feel better about yourself and your body.

Provides a sense of accomplishment: Walking and setting achievable goals for yourself can provide a sense of accomplishment and improve overall confidence.

Walking doesn’t have to be a high intensity workout to be effective. Even a 10-15 minute walk in nature, with friends or a pet can have a big impact on your mental health. Put on those walking shoes and give it a try. Your mind and body will thank you.

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You can soon join us in our mission to promote happiness and wellbeing through walking! Our dedicated team plays a vital role in making our walks a positive experience for all. Whether you’re an avid walker or just looking to start a new healthy habit, we have a place for you in our team.

If you have started walking, you have taken the first step towards a healthier and happier life. However, it can sometimes be difficult to maintain your momentum. Here are some helpful tips to keep you motivated and make walking a part of your daily routine.

Set achievable goals: Creating personal goals can help you stay focused. Ensure that your goals are challenging but realistic, and set a deadline to measure your progress. Write down your goals and share them with others to receive encouragement and feel confident. Don’t forget to reward yourself when you reach your goals and set new ones.

Take on a challenge: Participating in a walking challenge can provide you with a goal to strive for. Sign up for a walk for a charity, such as Macmillan’s “Mighty Hikes“, and let people sponsor you for added motivation.

Walk with others: Walking with friends or a group is an excellent way to stay motivated. It can also be more enjoyable as you can chat and cover more ground before you know it.

Explore new routes: Discover new places by joining different Walking for Health walks in your area or finding new routes with your friends.

Use technology: Tracking your progress can be rewarding and help you stay motivated. Use a smartphone app (such as a step counter) to keep track of the distance you walk, steps taken, and calories burned. Try to reach between 6000-10,000 steps a day, but remember that every step counts, even if you can’t reach the full goal.

Making progress, even in small increments, is a victory.