Get Walking!
| Published: 19th December 2007 10:17 |
Over the past few years, we've all heard that we should walk at least 10,000 steps a day to help to keep healthy. But why?
Walking has numerous health benefits... In addition to helping you get some fresh air, it helps you to tone your body, lose weight, improve your complexion and keep your heart healthy, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.
Researchers have also found that walking can help to reduce the incidence and survival rates of some cancers, and reduce the risk of diabetes (a study by the Graduate School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh found that the risk of diabetes was cut by walking for just 30 minutes a day).
Health benefits aside, just think about how invigorated you feel after a brisk walk on a cold, fresh winter's day - and how well you sleep afterwards!
How can I help myself on the way to those magical 10,000 steps?
Here are a few pointers...
- Take the stairs, not the lift.
- If you have a downstairs toilet at home, use the upstairs one instead!
- Walk instead of driving for short journeys - you'll use less petrol (and reduce your carbon footprint), potentially save money on parking and reduce your stress levels when you can't find a parking space...
- Got a spare half an hour? Instead of flopping in front of the TV with a cuppa, go for a short walk - even walking for half an hour a day has great health benefits.
- If you take the bus, consider using a bus stop further from your home and/or alighting at a bus stop further from your destination.
- Instead of watching the kids or grandchildren run around the park, join in with them! They'll love seeing you having fun with them - it's the stuff memories are made of.
- Dance your heart out! OK, so you may not qualify for 'Strictly Come Dancing' but you'll have fun and burn some calories at the same time.
These are just a few suggestions. Do you have more ideas? Please share them by posting them in the comments box at the bottom of this page!
If you'd like to walk around the delightful Rossendale countryside but would rather not venture out alone, The Rossendale Ramblers organise weekly walks for anyone wishing to join in. Please see the feature on Rossendale Ramblers in the 'Clubs and Organisations' section of this website by clicking this link.
Further information on the health benefits of walking can be found at www.walking.about.com.
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