Walking is regarded as the best physical activity that you can possibly do. In general, people who walk on a regular basis, no matter what their age, live longer.According to the British Heart Foundation, regular walkers also benefit from other boosts to their health which includes
-A lowered risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
-Lower blood pressure
-Reduction in high cholesterol and improvement to blood lipid profile
-Reduction in body fat and useful in controlling body weight
-Enhances mental well being
-Increases bone density, hence helping to prevent osteoporosis
-Reduces the risk of cancer of the colon
-Reduces the risk of non insulin-dependent diabetes
-Helps osteoarthritis and improves flexibility and co-ordination hence reducing the risk of falls
Walking is an activity that anyone can do, anywhere. If you don’t live in a nice green area with a nearby park or outdoor space you can try and fit walking into your life in other ways – why not get off the bus or tube a stop or two earlier and try to walk for ten to fifteen minutes on your way to work and back? You should aim for 30 minutes of walking five days a week.At weekends you can make walking a social occasion by meeting with friends and combining walking with the chance to catch up and chat, perhaps finishing off with lunch or tea somewhere.
If you live in an area conducive to walking and are lucky enough to hit the great outdoors frequently for longer and more challenging walks, then make sure you have the right outdoor clothes.The right outdoor clothes will make your walks more enjoyable. Look for outdoor clothing that is flexible – like a 3-in-1 jacket that allows you to wear different layers in different conditions.Above all, find outdoor clothing that keeps you warm and dry, yet cool and comfortable, and combine them with good footwear, for optimum health and fitness.