The Solutions

Walking

Walking one mile in 20 minutes uses as much energy as

• running a mile in 10 minutes
• swimming for 10 minutes
• playing football for 12 minutes
• cycling for 16 minutes
• doing aerobics for 16 minutes
• weight training for 17 minutes

And walking's a lot easier than any of those!

Walking is a mode of transport that is non-polluting, consumes a very small amount of natural resources and is highly efficient. There is a consensus that regular moderate physical activity as part of the daily routine can provide the greatest health benefit - walking to work could support this basic level of activity.

The psychological benefits are also well documented. Research shows that those who are physically active have enhanced moods, higher self-esteem, greater confidence in their ability to perform tasks requiring physical activity and demonstrate better cognitive functioning.

You only need to walk for 30 minutes on most days of the week to get health benefits from walking - increasing information shows you can do it in 10 minutes sessions and still get the full benefit.

                                       

'How do I get started?'

• Think before you drive less than a mile - walk to the local shop or post box
• Get off the bus a stop earlier
• Park the car further away at the supermarket
• Take the stairs instead of the lift
• Enjoy a walking lunch - walk to the park and eat your sandwiches
• Borrow a friend's dog and take it for a walk
• Walk the children to school when you can
• Walk to the pub

'What's in it for me?'

• It's a chance to meet people and socialise
• Almost everyone can do it
• You can do it anywhere and at any time
• You can start slowly and build up gently
• Walking is gentle exercise which helps you feel better after heart trouble, a stroke or other illness
• Walking in a group can improve your social life
• It's free

'How much will it benefit my health?'

• Exercise releases endorphins which make you feel good
• Reduces fat
• Improves the quality of your sleep
• Helps you reduce stress
• Keeps your heart `strong'.
• Increases bone mass
• Walking just over a mile a day significantly reduces heart disease risk
• It is better than low salt diets for reducing blood pressure

Useful Links

www.ramblers.org.uk
www.walkingbritain.co.uk
www.corbettchallenge.org.uk
www.whi.org.uk
www.walklink.com
www.walkweb.org.uk
www.go4awalk.com
www.countryside.gov.uk
www.mapsworldwide.com

 

Last Modified: 20/03/2008 15:32:48
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