Looking out of the window this morning, many people would not welcome the news that this week is national Walk to Work Week.
Of course, living on an Island where many people have to travel great distances, walking to work might not be a viable option, but if you live fairly close to your work place, why not consider joining in the campaign and walking to work this week – you never know who you might meet on the way?
Walking to work can provide some many benefits; it helps keep your heart healthy, helps you relax, gives you time to contemplate life and is absolutely free!
Louise Gray, NHS Physical Activity Co-ordinator said: “Walking is great exercise and one of the best ways to improve both your physical and mental health. It can also help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, colonic cancer and osteoporosis and is a great stress reliever.
“If you walk for 30 minutes at a decent pace, at least five times a week, you’ll soon see and feel the difference. Very quickly you will notice that you become less puffed out and muscles will become more toned. Taking in a walk before work can really set you up for the day ahead, both physically and mentally and of course is an excellent way to help you prepare for this year’s Walk the Wight.”
There are just a few days left to get your registration in for Walk the Wight (details to come shortly).
Useful tips for walking
Yeah, yeah, of course we all know how to walk, we learnt that a long time ago, but there are certain things worth considering if you’re planning to start walking this week if it’s not part of your usual routine.
The IOW NHS tells us that “getting your walking technique right will help you to make the most of this easy exercise.”
Useful tips include:
· Check your posture – keep your neck and spine straight and your shoulders back and down.
· Think about pulling your stomach in and lifting your pelvis.
· Your heel should hit the ground first, then roll through to your toe.
· Take shorter steps rather than longer ones – it’s easier on the joints and will give you a better work out.
· Gently swing your arms to help propel you along.
Common sense tips
Extra care should be taken if walking along busy roads. If walking on the road make sure you walk towards oncoming traffic so drivers can see you. It is advisable to keep water with you as you can get dehydrated easily and a good pair of shoes is really important, ideally they should be light and flexible with plenty of room around the toe so you can stretch your feet.
Health Walks
If you don’t work, but would like to get in the swing of doing more walking, why not join the award winning Health Walks?
Organised by the Island’s NHS and IW Council, the walks are a great way to improve your health whilst meeting new friends whilst perhaps recovering from health conditions.
If you would like to join the walks or train as a Volunteer Walk Leader, contact Louise Gray, Scheme Co-ordinator on 01983 814283 or louise.gray(at)iow.nhs.uk.
For more information about Walk to Work Week and how to get involved, visit the Web site.
Image: enea
