Walking for health

Walking is something most of us can do. It’s easy, it’s free and it’s a great way to improve your physical health and your mental wellbeing at the same time.

Whether it’s a long ramble in the countryside or a brisk walk to the shops, regular walking is one of the best and simplest methods of staying on top of your weight, managing your blood pressure and bringing about many more health benefits.

You don’t need to be a gym bunny to feel, look and be better. Walking on its own can bring about many of the right results.

Whatever your reasons for walking, always make sure you’re wearing the right clothes and shoes for the conditions – particularly in winter, when there's more likely to be water, ice, mud or slippery leaves underfoot. If you’re heading out into the countryside for a longer adventure you’ll also need to check the weather forecast, as well as taking some water and perhaps a snack or two.

A good walk is one where your pace is high enough to raise your heart rate and breathing enough so that you notice but not so far as to be strained or uncomfortable. If you’re just starting out with regular walking, begin with shorter, less demanding routes and gradually increase the length and pace as you go on.

If you're living with a long-term condition, particularly one affecting your lungs or your heart, it's important to remember that you are more likely to be impacted by cold weather and it may be safer for you to stay indoors on the coldest days. You'll find more information and advice here.

If you can swap out some of your daily car-based activities with walking, such as the school run, going to the shops, or if you take the stairs rather than the lift, it will all have an impact.

Walking in the countryside in particular has been shown to improve people’s wellbeing and reduce their blood pressure. There is a lot of advice and support online if you’re looking to explore walks in your area, including routes and walking groups (see below).

Walking with others is a great way to keep motivated and to increase the enjoyment you get from the activity, whether it’s with family or friends, or you might make new friends by joining a local walking group.

Find out more about walks in your area with the below links:

If you know of a walking group or a local walks site not listed here which you feel should be added, please email us the details at: frimleyicb.public@nhs.net

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