Exercise doesn’t have to be gruelling, high impact or involve weights, equipment, specialist clothes or a gym membership. Walking has huge benefits for our health and we would like to share 10 steps that will help bring more of this simple yet impactful activity into your day.
1. Time
Just walking for 10 minutes a day can prove impactful to your overall health with immediate benefits. Doctors recommend that everyone should be active for around 150 minutes every week.
2. Pace
Walking quickly at a brisk pace reduces the risk of long-term health conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia and cancer.
3. Footwear
Wearing footwear that is comfortable and supports your movement will make walking more enjoyable. You can always consult a podiatrist if you are experiencing any problems.
4. Joy
You may like to leave your phone at home and enjoy feeling present on your walk or you may wish to make use of an app to boost your pace and mood. This could be listening to a podcast, music or audio book.
5. Anytime
You can walk anytime with it being one of the easiest things to fit into your day. Making extra time for a journey and walking instead, adding a walk into your lunch hour or taking advantage of the long days by adding in an evening stroll.
6. Invite
Arrange to meet a friend and take a walk together, this can be an active option to socialise and exercise at the same time!
7. Confidence
Some people may feel a little unsure about introducing walking as an activity. Starting with a familiar local route that you feel safe completing will build confidence towards more adventurous future exploration.
8. Motivation
There are many apps that can help schedule walking into your week. Making a regular time to meet a walking buddy or joining a walking group can all help keep you motivated.
9. Build
Once introducing a 10-minute walk into your day feels easy, start to increase your time gradually as the more we do the greater the benefits are.
10. Expand
Once walking has become a firm fixture in your week, you may want to explore other forms of exercise. Start with activities that you think you may enjoy and don’t be afraid to try something new!
If we can be of any help or support with how you access activity consider booking an appointment with one of our practitioners that include; physiotherapy, podiatry, sports massage, osteopathy and acupuncture. Check out our website for more information and further treatment options.
We always appreciate hearing about the recoveries, benefits and success stories of our patients, if you would like to share yours, please email us.
info@holistichealthhackney.co.uk
0207 275 8434
Or pop in and see us on Broadway Market, London Fields.