Walking has perhaps been one of the most underated forms of exercise for years yet, it can do so much for our physical and mental health! And, don't worry... it really doesn't matter how many steps you do. Just doing 100 more today than you did yesterday, will give you all the benefits!
What the Research Says
You might have heard that we're all supposed to be aiming for 10,000 steps a day, but what if you're no where near that at the moment? And what if you never will be! Well, the great news is that the most recent research tells us that any number of steps is actually great for us! In fact, if you're currently pretty sedentary during the day, you stand to gain the most benefits of anyone just from adding in an extra daily jaunt down the road and back!
At Spark, we believe that the best kind of exercise is the one that makes you feel amazing in body and mind; it's one that you enjoy, that you can do no matter who you are or what your job and it's one that you can see progress in. What fits all of those factors? Walking.
Just 15 minutes a day can be extremely beneficial for your heart, joints, muscles, mental health and overall general physical health and wellbeing. It doesn't even matter how far you go, how fast you go, or even where you go!! It's all about escaping the stresses of life and enjoying the outside world.
So, if recent times have left you feeling like you want to do something more for your health, why not get out for a daily walk? Ditch the step counter and just set yourself 15 minutes to walk round the block or into the local park. Have a bit more time? explore an area where you live that you've never seen before.
Start small, and build up gradually and before you know it, walking a daily mile will have become as much as part of your routine as brushing your teeth or getting the kids to school.
If you like the sound of this, but prefer the idea of getting out and about with others, we have a weekly walk on a Monday at 1pm. We meet at Gate 13 of Heaton Park and we'd love for you to join us! Drop us a message at [email protected] if you'd like to know more!