Walking

Introduction Walking ideas in Calderdale

Regular walking can give your body the workout it needs to stay healthy. In fact there is probably no easier way to be active outdoors. Being active through walking can help manage and reduce your risk of developing:

heart disease;
stroke;
certain cancers;
diabetes;
obesity;
and osteoporosis, to mention just a few.

There are many other benefits can gain through walking, like you:

feel better and look good;
increase energy levels;
sleep better;
save money;
enjoy and help protect the environment;
increase confidence and self esteem;
reduce and manage stress and anxiety;
help control your weight;
meet people, make new friends and get to know your community better;
have fun!

You do not need any equipment or special clothing, just flat sensible shoes.

How much should I do?

Around 30 minutes a day will help keep your heart and lungs in good working order. This should be at least of moderate intensity physical activity, five or more days a week.

Try to aim to walk 10,000 steps per day. This sounds a lot, but you can build up slowly. At a brisk pace, you can walk about 500 to 600 steps in 5 minutes.

Getting started

You do not have to do 30 minutes all at once! If you are not used to walking, start slowly and build up gradually. You can do two 15 minute or three 10 minutes bouts.

Try to do a little bit more each day and week.