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| Why ‘Walking for Health’?
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Fitter people have a greater chance of living longer. Today’s lifestyle discourages many from being active. At least seven in ten people do not take enough exercise to benefit their health. Some doctors call this the ‘silent epidemic’.
Walking is almost the perfect exercise, requiring no equipment or expense. It is the best way for people from all walks of life to become more active.
Regular walking can:
Improve
• confidence
• stamina
• energy
• weight control
• life expectancy
• mental health
• flexibility
• posture
• general well-being |
Reduce
• coronary heart disease
• strokes
• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• bowel cancer
• Alzheimers disease
• osteoporosis
• arthritis
• anxiety & stress |
| A little walking is better than none. Gentle strolling is a good way to start for people who are not used to exercise. Brisk walking is the goal, because the heart reaches its natural ‘training zone’ when it has to work a little harder than normal. The ideal amount of physical activity is 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, at least five days per week. |
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People are more likely to start and then continue walking when they have fun, enjoy their surroundings, feel a sense of achievement and value the company they walk with.
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