Best foot forward
LOTS of families have discovered the joys of taking a walk, especially during the coronavirus lockdown, when we grabbed the chance to get out and enjoy our daily exercise in the fresh air.
It’s amazing how much more you see and learn about where you live – or further afield – when you’re on foot, and walking is a great activity to do as a family.
“A regular walk is a great way to pass on healthy habits to children and spend time together, while getting fit at the same time,” says Dr Nick Summerton, GP and Ramblers’ member.
“It teaches children that lifetime exercise will help build healthy bones and control weight in addition to warding off future health evils like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. It’s also a good way to boost self-esteem and improve mental wellbeing.”
■ Get started: Walking to nursery or school is an ideal way to establish walking habits, and many schools and local authorities have walking schemes to make it fun and safe.
■ Keep things interesting: Exercising the dog is a simple way to add something different to a walk but there are plenty of other easy – and free – ways.
■ Plan activities: Collect objects or set up a treasure along the way. You could incorporate local attractions or add a picnic so there’s something extra to look forward to. Children like to be involved, so get them map reading, helping to pack their own rucksack, or take a camera for them to use.
■ Practical considerations: To avoid little ones over-tiring, go at their pace and keep walks shorter. Make sure you all wear the right clothing and footwear and, on warm days, don’t forget hats and suncream – as well as something for bites and stings.
Build in toilet and refreshment stops – or take snacks and drinks.