Walks special – part 1!

Grab some comfy shoes and start your journey to better health this summer

Walking one mile burns 100 calories A brisk walk is a better remedy for fatigue than a cup of coffee, leaving you feeling more energised and motivated afterwards

Adaily walk benefits your body so much that you’ll live a longer and happier life, according to the latest US research. Stepping outside for a brisk stroll in the fresh air is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to tune-up your body – in fact there isn’t a bit of your body that doesn’t benefit from a good walk.

Protect your heart

Walking beats running when it comes to keeping your heart healthy; an hour a day cuts your risk of a heart attack in half and even a 30-minute walk a day cuts your risk of stroke by a third.

Blast belly fat

Just three hour-long walks a week could help you to lose an inch off your waist in three months (down a dress size by the end of summer). You'll also be helping to lower your insulin levels too, so could reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes at the same time.

Ward off stress

Walking lowers stress levels, improves circulation and sends feel-good hormones around your body – it could even lower your risk of depression. Regular walkers are happier than those who don’t walk much, according to scientists from the University of East Anglia.

Sleep easy

You’ll fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply if you squeeze a walk into your day. A brisk morning stroll could lead to an enormous 75 per cent increase in the amount of deep, restorative sleep you get each night, according to the Sleep Foundation.

Lubricate your joints

The more you move, the happier your joints, as walking sends healthy blood and nutrients to your knees and other joints, oiling them with synovial fluid and helping keep your cartilage healthy.

Stay strong

Walking prevents natural, age-related muscle loss, which in turn helps keep your weight in check and takes pressure off your joints so you’ll be bothered less by the symptoms of arthritis.