Not only does walking improve your bone strength and health, if you’ve had a stressful day of work, or need to refresh your mind before getting stuck into a job, it can reduce stress and improve your mood too!
How far do I have to walk to see the benefits?
Experts recommend that we should aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise five days a week. However, the good news is that this does not need to be in one session; you can break this down into a 15-minute walk mid-morning then maybe a 15 minute sofa workout. Don’t forget that any exercise is better than none!
But simply put, walk as much as possible – every little counts!
How do I start?
- You don’t need any special equipment, but it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes (you don’t want to end up hobbling home with a blister!)
- Layer up! You know what our Great British weather can be like, you don’t want to be strolling around in a vest one minute only to be caught up in a snow storm the next (it could happen!)
- Make sure you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated!
- Start gently and build up slowly, as your fitness improves. If you are not used to walking, start by simply doing ten minutes round the block.
Top tips to increase your walking levels
- Make it a date – put a date in your diary so that you have time to go for a walk. Experts have found that the best way of sticking to a training routine is to put it in your diary.
- Park further away – if you park 15 minutes away from your work, you will walk 30 minutes every day as part of your working day!
- Take the stairs whenever possible instead of a lift or escalator.
- Keep your car keys under your walking shoes, to remind you to ask yourself if you could walk the journey instead.
- Avoid sitting for long periods– take a break at least every half an hour and walk around.
- Build a walk into your journey to work – re-plan your route, so that you take more scenic routes for variety.
- Revel in reading time – why not download audio books and listen to them whilst you walk?
- Track your steps on your phone or fitness tracker – experts say we should aim to walk 10,000 steps a day (about five miles). Tracking steps will enable you to see how many steps you have taken and encourage you to try to walk further each day.
- Pick up the phone and chat to someone whilst you walk. You never know you might walk even further if you’re busy having a natter with a friend!
We hope these top tips inspire you to put more movement into your day. It might even help you on your weight loss journey too! Speak to a Consultant to find out how they can help you today.