The extracts below are taken from the book, 
Walking for Health: The complete step-by-step guide to getting fit and feeling your best  written by Dr William Bird and Veronica Reynolds
(Carroll & Brown, 2002, ISBN 1-903258-27-8) It is well worth buying as it contains everything you need to know about walking, including where to go, what to wear, what to take and how to do it without personal risk.

The overall Health Benefits

Regular walking can produce a more efficient heart, help you to lose weight, and gain strength, stamina and flexibility - all of which help you to live longer and improve your quality of life.

Exercise improves your circulation, which gives you a fresher, healthier look.

If you are suffering from stress or anxiety, a brisk walk will help you to put problems in perspective.

Walking is an ideal time to meet up with friends, family or a group, to chat and socialise.

Walking can help with many health conditions, such as diabetes, heart problems, osteoporosis, back pain, asthma and bronchitis.

Increasing your level of activity can help you to sleep better at night, which benefits your overall health and well-being.

The Physical Benefits

Walking can improve your whole body considerably - helping you to lose weight, strengthen your heart, muscles and bones, making you more flexible and boosting your immune system to fight off disease.

The Emotional Benefits

The benefits of regular walking go far beyond the benefits of physical fitness alone. Finding time to get outside and go for a walk can boost your self esteem and generally make you feel more in control of your life.

The Social Benefits

Walking is an excellent way to get out and improve your social opportunities. Walking with a group is fun and safe, and exercising in the company of others will encourage you to keep walking. Even walking on your own allows you to tune into community life and increases your chance of meeting a new neighbour.

Want to know more about how you can calculate the optimum heart rate, click to go to the Fitness Formulas page

If you have any questions, please e-mail us

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