Walking is good for you, of course, you know that already. The benefits are huge and it’s an activity that doesn’t cost a penny, although we do recommend a good pair of shoes or boots.
At Sarum we believe that exercise needn’t be complicated or difficult and should be accessible to all – it’s why we love and highly recommend walking. It gets you out into the fresh air, which is good for your wellbeing generally and there are real health and fitness benefits’ including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Keeping the waist trim
- Strengthening your bones and muscles
- Improving muscle tone
Not to mention that walking regularly helps prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes, plus keep that blood pressure down. It’s Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness and improves balance and coordination.
It’s recommended that you get 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week and walking counts! So to benefit and make those minutes count you need a good posture, stride and technique.
Walking Technique
- Start with your head up and looking forward, not down.
- Relax the neck, shoulders and back.
- Swing your arms freely with a slight bend in your elbows and a little pumping action goes a long way.
- Keep your tummy muscles tight and your back straight.
- Roll your foot from heel to toe and walk smoothly.
Remember even walking requires a warm-up and down and to stay motivated walk with friends or join a group. However, if you would prefer to use the time as ‘me time’, stick on your headphones and listen to a podcast or your favourite tunes – alternatively simply enjoy the scenery.
If you’re really serious about walking to improve your fitness get the right gear and essential is the right footwear. Get into a routine, plan your routes, mix up your routes and set realistic goals.
Want to take your walking to the next level?
Nordic walking is proving more and more popular and is an enhancement of regular walking and twice as effective. The poles are used to increase the use of the upper body and propel the walker increasing the benefits compared to regular walking. You can find groups and instructors on the Nordic Walking website.
Whether you’re want to simply improve your fitness by ditching the car or looking for an alternative to the gym. Don’t let aches, pains or old injuries stop you.
