Improving Fitness by Walking

With the weather improving and thoughts of spring being just around the corner, walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise to help us become more active, healthier and able to enjoy our local surroundings.  A brisk 10-minute walk has lots of health benefits, which may include:

• Help to maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat
• Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, dementia and type 2 diabetes
• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your bones and muscles
• Increase energy levels
• Improve your mood, cognition, memory and sleep
• Improve your balance and coordination
• Strengthen immune system
• Reduce stress and tension

Before you start walking, you should ensure you have appropriate footwear which offers support for your feet and will not cause blisters.  If it is a sunny day, then you should ensure that you are wearing sun cream and a hat.

To stay motivated, make walking part of your daily routine so that it becomes a habit.  Why not try walking to the shops rather than taking a car or using the stairs instead of the lift

If you do not have the confidence to go out walking alone, then perhaps you could join one of our working groups for support.  Our Walking Project Team can be contacted at 01454 411707 (option 5) or email us on walking@ageuksouthglos.org.uk

Please see links for websites for further information on walking to improve health:

Age UK South Gloucestershire website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/southgloucestershire/our-services/walking-groups/

Walking advice from the NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-guidelines/physical-activity-guidelines-for-adults-aged-19-to-64/

Walking advice from Age UK - https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/exercise/walking-tips-advice/

Ramblers website - https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/about-group-walks/