This month is National Walking Month, so to get in the spirit we want to encourage everyone to get off their couches, strap on a pair of comfy shoes and get walking. Walking is great, and the best bit about it is that it doesn’t matter if you prefer long hikes in the countryside or a small jaunt to the shop, your body and mind will still benefit regardless. To help you get in the mood, we’ve listed some key health benefits of walking and suggested how you can up your step count.
Why Walk?
- – Reduces the risk of stroke & heart disease
- – Helps to regulate blood pressure
- – Strengthens core muscles and keeps them active
- – Helps digestion
- – Helps maintain or helps lose weight
- – Reduces stress
- – Lowers your carbon footprint
It’s recommended that we do 10,000 steps per day to reap the benefits of walking, but honestly, that figure sounds a little daunting! So, what we’d recommend is that you increase your daily walking by an additional 5 minutes per day until you achieve a minimum of at least 30 minutes of walking per day.
Here are some small adjustments we’d like to recommend helping you achieve that 30-minute goal;
- – Take the stairs instead of the lift
- – If you have the choice, take the scenic route
- – Park further away from your destination or hop off the bus a stop early
- – Take your dog for a slightly longer walk
- – Go for a lunchtime or evening stroll
- – Visit local sites (such as National Trusts) with friends or family
- – Conduct regular garden maintenance, such as mowing the lawn or watering the flowers
There are loads you can do to up your walking that doesn’t negatively impact your routine too much, it’s all about finding a method that suits you and your lifestyle. Make sure though, if you do go out walking, take a bottle of water with you! Also, make sure to wear sensible shoes that provide comfort and support. If you’d like to find out more about the benefits of walking then visit this blog by the NHS.
So, there we go! We hope this inspires you to get out there and start moving. Please let us know on Facebook if you have any suggestions for increasing your daily steps!
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