Walking and Health

The health benefits of walking are vast.  Brisk walking can help you achieve the recommended amount of exercise needed to keep you fit and healthy*.  You can walk on your own, in a group or casually with friends and family.  Walking helps you feel good on the inside, especially walking in the natural environment where you can enjoy the scenery, the peace and quiet and the fresh air.  

Regular walking can:

• Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce cholesterol and body fat
• Enhance mental well being
• Increase bone density and help prevent osteoporosis
• Reduce the risk of cancer, particularly colon cancer
• Reduce the risk of type II diabetes
• Help reduce and maintain a healthy body weight
• Help osteoarthritis
• Improve flexibility and co-ordination and reduce the risk of falls

 

* 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days a week

Walking helps people stay physically active!

Physical Activity and Chronic Disease

Regular physical activity such as walking protects against chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, type II diabetes and obesity.  Compared with active, fit individuals, inactive people are twice as likely to die from coronary heart disease, 33-50% more likely to develop diabetes and have a higher risk of stroke and cancer.  Physical activity helps people maintain a healthy body weight and encourages weight loss in people who are overweight. 

Physical Activity and Musculoskeletal Health

Regular physical activity increases bone mineral density which can help prevent osteoporosis in older age.  Weight bearing activity such as walking can promote strength, balance and power and help reduce the risk of falling in later life.  Physical activity can also be beneficial to people with osteoarthritis and joint problems.

Physical Activity and Psychological Well-being

Physical activity such as walking is an effective treatment for mild, moderate and severe depression.  Physical activity can help improve mood and increase self-esteem.  It can also help reduce and manage anxiety and stress and improve sleep.

So no matter who you are, everyone has something to gain from walking!!