Walking:

• Is good for your heart and lungs
• Helps improve bone density
• Is a low impact activity so it won’t strain your joints
• Can be fitted into your daily routine (see Kate the office worker’s story).
• Is FREE!
• Can be done anywhere
• Saves on petrol
• Saves bus fares
• Is better for the planet
• Helps reduce carbon (CO2) emissions.

Walking one mile in 15 minutes burns about the same number of calories as running a mile in eight and a half minutes.

Walking regularly will:

• increase your muscle tone
• boost metabolism
• ease stress
• raise energy levels
• improve sleep
• help you lose weight
• Regular walking can reduce the risk of:
• coronary heart disease,
• diabetes,
• strokes,
• high blood pressure,
• cancer,
• osteoporosis
• arthritis.

Walking can help you to deal with anxiety and stress, and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Did you know?

• Half of all journeys in the UK could be walked as they are under two miles.
• Only three out of 10 people do enough exercise.
• 37% of heart disease deaths are related to inactivity, compared with 19% related to smoking. *
• 10,000 steps equals about five miles: most of us walk 4,500 a day.

Hate exercise or finding it hard? Take a look at our easy walking tips to help you get started.

 

(* 2008 findings)