Walk your way to physical fitness
09 August 2019
By Hayley Carmichael
Walking is the wallet friendly, wellbeing boosting activity that can be built into your day with ease.
Why are we promoting the humble walk?
As part of our Breathe Easy September campaign we are encouraging everyone to take up more active travel choices; and walking is one of the easiest ways to get from A to B whilst building in your daily quota of exercise.
Is walking really that great?
Yes!
Walking can build stamina, muscle strength and boost metabolism. It promotes a healthy heart, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes.
A brisk walk every day counts towards your weekly exercise quota of around 150 minutes.
Not only that, but if you are walking you aren’t driving a car – and that is as good for the environment as it is for your health. You’ll be improving local air quality, which in turn reduces the risk of respiratory problems.
Lastly, it doesn’t cost a penny to do – the only real cost involved is the investment in a pair of comfy shoes.
But don’t take our word for it…
There are experts queuing up to shout about the amazing benefits of walking.
Check out what the NHS has to say on the topic.
This Guardian article from July 2019 declares walking a superpower!
Here are 15 reasons why walking is good for you by the Readers Digest.
Tips to keep you walking
- #Talk a friend into joining you and make it a social event.
- Download your favourite tunes, pop in some earphones and reconnect with music while you walk.
- Find different routes near you so that you can enjoy some variety on your walks.
- Walk to work, and build exercise into your working day.
Why not sign up to our ‘take a walk’ or ‘#activecommute’ pledge to help you on your way?
