Naturally, walking’s good for you

Aug 19 2008 by Francesca Craggs, The Journal

Exercise does not have to be in a windowless gym or involve weights and machines. What better place to get fit than in the great outdoors? Amy Hunt hears about Green Exercise projects in the North East

IT’S a fact that people who do more physical activity have more energy and feel more motivated.

You should aim to do 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days a week, which can be broken down into sessions of 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

Physical activity, such as walking, can cut the risk of health problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, bowel cancer, breast cancer and depression.

A less well-known benefit of physical activity is the boost to your immune system that lasts for 24 hours, helping you fend off colds and other infections.

As your fitness improves, you will find you can walk farther and faster without getting so tired because your energy will improve. If you have a medical condition, then regular physical activity can help you stay well, but talk to your doctor if you are unsure of which physical activity is best for you.

You have only to be in a park and listen to the song of a blackbird and watch the antics of squirrels to feel the benefits of being outdoors. Research shows that your blood pressure and heart rate fall, and depression can be eased and even prevented. Exercise keeps your blood flowing freely. All these benefits have been proved to help people cope with stress and increase concentration.

You don’t have to travel deep into the countryside. Getting outdoors is a great way to find out more about your local area and make new friends. Exploring the green spaces within 15 minutes of your home can reveal lots of animals and plants.

You could try to get to know your “15-minute world” and, if you have children, help them get interested in the outdoors by naming the common birds or trees near your home. Children are much more active outdoors. Studies show they are happier playing close to Nature and that it helps in their development.

You could become more active by spending time in the park with friends or family, joining an outdoor physical activity group or taking part in a wildlife conservation project.

Walking the Way to Health is the largest national body promoting and setting the standards for led health walks.

It is a joint initiative between Natural England and the British Heart Foundation which supports more than 500 health walk schemes and has trained more than 33,000 volunteer walk leaders.

There are lots of opportunities to join Walking the Way to Health groups in this region. Visit www.whi.org.uk to find out what’s going on in your area.