Walking
What are the benefits of walking?
Walking has so many great benefits starting with basic energy and fitness levels. The old school way of thinking that the gym was the only way to get fit thankfully is changing. The gym is great if that’s your thing, however a brisk walk each day can have dramatic effects on your health.
The COVID-19 pandemic changed how all of us lived our lives. The local canal footpaths were full of people escaping the same four walls if only for an hour.
I’ve always enjoyed a good hike in the Mountains. When Lockdown happened I was furloughed and needed something to do with my time. Regular walks through the golf course and loopline got me out of the house for a few hours. This became a daily routine and before I knew it I was walking 15 to 20 miles a day. By the time restrictions lifted I had lost over two and a half stone in weight. I have kept up walking everyday since and it has helped me maintain a healthy mind and body weight.
Mikey Richardson – Mountains not molehills founder
Some of the basic health benefits to walking are:
- Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat
- Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes
- Improving your cardiovascular fitness
- Improving your mood, memory and sleep
- Reducing stress and tension
- Increase energy levels
- Strengthen your bones and muscles
- Strengthen immune system
What if I don’t have time for a Mountain?
Unless you live on the doorstep of one of many Mountains the UK has to offer you may not have time to head out. Some days we can’t face the thought of an epic hike but that doesn’t have to mean you can’t get the benefit of being outdoors.
A quick stroll around your local park or woodland area can give you the same health benefits as hiking a Mountain. There are many tools at your disposal to find great walks near you. Download one of the many apps that detail hundreds of routes such as the OS Maps App. There are many different free apps that do a similar job too, such as All Trails.
