Walking Festival 2008 - Why Walking is Good for You

Walking your way to health

The health walks in our programme are on fairly level ground and are led by qualified health walk leaders- they are an ideal way to get fit if you do not wish to visit a gym or fitness class.

Why walking is a great workout

• Walking is a weight-bearing exercise, it strengthens and builds bones helping to prevent osteoporosis
• A brisk ten-minute jaunt boosts energy levels, when you are feeling sapped - it's a longer lasting jolt than a cup of coffee
• Motion betters emotion. Putting one foot in front of the other relieves stress and releases feel-good brain chemicals that lift your mood
• Regular walking helps you sleep soundly
• Burns fat, and strengthens your heart and boosts your immunity
• Striding is a great body toner. Add hills and you will pump up its sculpting power
• Builds endurance and stamina
• Great workout without gizmos or gadgets. You can do it anytime, anywhere
• Walking is cost-effective. You'll shed pounds without spending cash
• Burns calories - helps to control weight
• Walking comes naturally, anyone can do it.
• Live longer! Get walking ……

How many steps do you take in a day?

Maybe you've heard about the recent guidelines to take 10,000 steps a day? How far is this anyway?

The average person's stride length is approximately 2.5 feet so it takes just over 2,000 steps to walk a mile. If you take 10,000 steps, you've walked nearly five miles!

A sedentary person may only average 1,000 to 3,000 steps a day. For these people, adding 500 steps a day until you reach 10,000 is a reasonable goal. Wearing a pedometer is an easy way to keep track of your steps each day.

Essential tips

Walkers should:

• Wear comfortable socks and footwear which has arch supports and should elevate the heel slightly. Make sure there is adequate room for your toes
• Wear loose comfortable clothing which allows you to move freely. Wear thin layers rather than heavy, chunky clothing
• Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from UV rays
• Wear sunscreen in sunny conditions
• Carry water if you plan to walk for more than half an hour
• In case of an emergency, advise a friend or relative that you are walking
• Please note that walkers take part in walks at their own risk

Well-being and inner beauty

Release inner beauty, uplift your mind, body and spirit, take part in a revitalising walk in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Bring harmony to your inner self. Keep youthful.

Keep young and beautiful: Walking with children

Physical activity is essential to a child's development. The earlier exercise is introduced into your child's life, the greater the chance that they will carry this pattern through into adulthood.

Walking with children, whether power walking or simply brisk walking, is a great way to get them moving. You'll provide them with an important role model and firmly plant the idea that walking is a natural and normal activity.

Walking can be made fun. Children will walk further when there is something to see and do along the way. Try different routes that take in parks, streams or woods, or why not collect some interesting things along the way?

Tuning into teenagers

Walking is an ideal way for teenagers to control their weight healthily and sensibly. Teenagers need challenges, so activities such as hiking or orienteering are good ways to keep them active.

Take control and think positive and beautiful thoughts

Knowing how to take the first step towards meeting a challenge is what separates those who achieve their goals from those who don't. With the right attitude and simple techniques, any one of us can make the changes we want and work towards achieving our dreams. It just takes practice and courage.

• Walking outdoors takes you into the sunshine instead of the unnatural lighting indoors. The combination of physical exercise and natural light releases a 'feel-good' chemical in the brain.
• Most people have positive feelings about being in the countryside. Psychologically, we benefit by thinking of our next walk.

Feel fit and beautiful inside and out. Increase your circulation. Exercising brings a healthy glow to your skin so put your 'Wight foot forward.'

The Countryside Code - Advice for the public

From a gentle stroll or relaxing picnic to a long-distance walk or heart-pumping adventure, the countryside provides enjoyment and relaxation for all.

• Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs
• Leave gates and property as you found them
• Protect plants and animals - and take your litter home
• Keep dogs under close control
• Consider other people

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