Reasons to walk ...
There are plenty of good reasons to take walking seriously. It
is a great way of exercising without really noticing it! It
requires no equipment or expense and can be built into your
everyday routine. There are benefits to your health, your wealth
and your happiness! Here are some specific reasons...
Your health:
- Regular exercise can halve the risk of coronary heart disease which is the single most common cause of death for men and women in England
- Regular exercise can reduce high blood pressure and the risk of having a stroke
- Exercise can also significantly reduce the chance of developing Type 2 diabetes; it can contribute to strengthening your bones and heart and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis
- Walking will improve your balance, co-ordination and joint flexibility which is especially noticeable in later life
- Walking just one mile can burn up at least 100kcal and walking two miles a day, three times a week can help reduce weight by one pound every three weeks
Your wealth:
- Walking is entirely free
- Walking is often quicker and does not involve traffic hold ups or time spent looking for a parking space
Walking is a great way to meet new people and make friends
- Walking is a good opportunity to spend time with your family
- Going for a walk is a proven way of combating depression and helping to reduce anxiety and stress
- Walking will increase your energy levels and make you look good
- Walking will help you to sleep better
- Lifelong exercise has been shown to reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease
If that's not enough...
Even though most people view walking as a leisurely form of
exercise, this really depends on your imagination and energy you
put into it. Walking a mile at a brisk pace burns up exactly the
same calories as running a mile or swimming 15 lengths of a 25
meter pool. Walking can be an efficient and effective form of
transport too, so why not incorporate exercise into the activities
which normally involve passive inactivity such as car trips?