It’s National Walking Month in May – and the perfect time to take more steps to greater fitness. Walking is free, easy to access and has many health benefits, as well as being environmentally friendly.
Why not take the opportunity to organise a group hike with friends or colleagues? It could be a walk for charity, a walk to celebrate a birthday, a walk for a hen or stag do or a last Munro walk. You could even design and order customised t-shirts, hoodies, hats or even leggings for all the participants of the hike at Printful. With matching clothing and customise shirts,you’ll create a good group feeling, identity and purpose.
11 benefits of walking
1. Good for your heart
Walking is a cardiovascular exercise and therefore strengthens your heart.
A brisk walk of just 30 minutes each day can reduce your risk of heart disease and a stroke.
2. Weight loss
An average person walking at around 2mph for 30 minutes will burn around 75 calories.
If you walk faster at around 4mph, you’ll more than double the calorie burn.
3. Reduced risk of dementia
Research has shown that an older person who walks six or more miles a week is less likely to have problems such as dementia.
4. Improves energy
Walking boosts circulation and increases the oxygen supply around your body, which in turn will keep you alert and awake.
5 All-over fitness
Many muscles in your body are activated during walking including calves, glutes, hamstrings, quads and abs.
Add a pair of walking poles for even greater benefit to the upper body.
6 Vitamin boost
Vitamin D is vital for bone health and maintaining a healthy immune system.
The best source is sunlight and if you are out walking you will naturally improve your up-take.
7 For happiness
Research shows that exercise such as walking outdoors can boost mental well-being and reduce the chance of suffering with anxiety and depression.
8 Good for the environment
Walking rather than taking the car, especially for shorter journeys, helps to reduce your carbon footprint.
9 Save money
If you walk more and use your car or public transport less you’’ save money in fuel and fares.
10 To meet new people
If you organise a charity walk, join a charity walking challenge, such as Scotland’s Cateran Yomp, or head along to a local walking group you’ll meet new people and make new friends.
Check out www.meetup.com or www.ramblers.org.uk/scotland.
11 To achieve a goal
A target will help to give you the focus and motivation to walk more. Why not aim to walk to a local hill summit, or hike your first Munro?
Another good goal is to plan a multi-day hike, such as one of Scotland’s Great Trails. See www.scotlandsgreattrails.com.
Read this article: 10 beginner tips for walking the West Highland Way.
