 Benefits of Walking
Walking and Health
The benefits of walking for 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.
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 2 diabetes
* 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days a week
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.
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
Walking is an ideal treatment for mild to moderate depression. Physical activity can help improve mood and increase self esteem. It can also help reduce and manage anxiety, stress and improve sleep. Walking is a great way to meet new people and feel less isolated.
P.N.D Post Natal Depression
Having a new baby can be very tiring and leave new mothers feeling very isolated. Free pram walks are a way for new mothers to get fit, settle their babies and make friends. So whatever your age or ability, everyone has something to gain from walking!
What walkers have said...
"Walking keeps me fit and my weight under control. In addition, as most of the walks are in rural areas I have become far more aware of the beautiful countryside Surrey has to offer."
"Moving to a new area as a first time mum I felt quite isolated. Joining the Pram Walk was a great way to meet other mums, lose some of my baby weight, and find out about other activities in the area."
"Recently retired I needed something to get me up and out of the house. I found that joining a local walking scheme not only gave me a routine, but also improved my level of fitness, and as a bonus I made new friends."
"After my husband died I joined the walk as a way of getting to know people. I now have many friends which has been a great help to me."
"Soon after my treatment for cancer I joined ‘Action for Life’. I feel it benefits the individual both socially and health wise; boosting the immune system and reducing stress. I believe strongly that it has aided my recovery and I have also made many new friends."
So no matter who you are, everyone has something to gain from walking!!
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