Walking Clubs
Health experts recommend that we get 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five times a week. To achieve this, look no further than something you’ve been doing since you were a toddler - walking!
Walking has been described as “the nearest activity to perfect exercise” and offers a host of health benefits, including a reduction in the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancer, Alzheimer’s and stroke.
In addition, walking conditions all the muscles of the lower body, particularly those in the bottom and thighs, and US psychologists also claim that regularly spending time outdoors can help stave off anxiety and depression.
Walking can, quite literally, be done anywhere but if
tramping the streets or countryside
alone is not your idea of fun, why not join a walking group near you? They are a great way to make new friends and meet like-minded people in a sociable and safe environment.
The Ramblers is Britain’s walking charity, with around 500 groups throughout the British Isles. Most groups are organised geographically, but there are some that specialise in shorter, easier, or family-friendly walks, and others that cater for specific age groups - for example people in their 20s, 30s or 40s. Walks are run weekly and are generally led by a trained leader.
24 The British Walking Federation organises
walking events for people of all ages and abilities, to encourage personal fitness through regular non-competitive exercise. To participate, simply turn up and register on the day. A list of events can be found on their website
www.bwf-ivv.org.uk along with a list of walking groups around the country.
If you like walking but fancy something a little different, why not give Nordic Walking a try? Originally designed to help cross-country skiers train during the summer months, this method of walking is suitable for all ages, experience and fitness levels, and involves the use of specially designed poles to give you a full body work out that tones the arms, legs, stomach, chest and back, in addition to the legs. Using the poles puts less pressure on the joints as the work is shared between different parts of the body. For more information visit
www.britishnordicwalking.org.uk or
www.nordicwalking.co.uk.
More locally Dunblane has a walking group which meets every Wednesday at the Cathedral at 10.30am. Meet there for 30-45min walks on good surfaced paths. Walks are free, no need to register in advance. Contact Hilda on 07939 621 507 or enquire at the health centre for more details.
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