Walking - small steps can make a big difference
As children we learn to walk before we do most things like running or even speaking. Walking is as natural to children as eating or sleeping are, so it runs counter to the way we are made when people say they don’t like to walk, either recreationally or as a way to stay fit.
A few months back, we spoke about the scientifically-proven mental health benefits walking can give you, but while the science behind that is still developing, we’ve know for much longer about the physical benefits walking can provide in terms of staying healthy and staving off disease.
For those of you who don’t know where to start, 10-15 minutes of walking exercise at your own pace, 2-3 times a week is sufficient to break the cycle of inactivity.
It’s usually easier to partner up with someone, as you will both encourage the other to get out, an important motivational tool especially in the early days.
As you make progress you’ ll find that what you thought was difficult becomes much easier. Hills that left you breathless won’t be as challenging, and you’ ll find yourself walking faster and further without too much difficulty.
You will also gain in confidence, and might at that stage decide to broaden your horizons by linking up with a walking group, of which there are several in Sligo - details are on the Sligo Walks website.
Walking will help you improve your fitness, burn calories and reduce the health risks associated with being overweight.
As your general level of fitness improves, so too will the frequency of walking.
Doctors tell us that we need up to 45 minutes of daily activity 5 times a week to stay on top of things in relation to health, you should target this as part of your weekly routine.
When you walk briskly, you burn off energy which the body has stored as fat.
You don’t need to do a long walk every day, you can vary the distance, level of difficulty and it’s also important to allow your body to rest.
So, while getting out into the fresh air daily is important, you don’t have to push yourself each time.
You should also vary the walk. There are so many great locations to visit in Sligo, you should avail of some of them, especially with the days lengthening.
There are over 50 marked walks in Sligo - and all of the details you might want, such as level of difficulty, expected walking duration, interesting features, etc., are all available on the website.
Once you decide that it’s worth getting up early or you ensure you get out after work, then you’ ll feel the benefits across many areas in your life.
Your energy levels in general will improve, meaning you’ ll be more productive at work, you’ ll have more energy for family and friends and will also feel more positive in your daily routines.
You could also work on your posture when walking. There are any number of articles online about how to work on your walking posture and techniques for improving your stride.
You might also want to pick up some extra gear. Rather than splashing out on expensive clothing and footwear at the start, you should just invest in a good pair of runners and a high vis reflective bib or top, after that once you get up and running, you can look at investing in various bits and pieces.
Walking to work is an option for some, which can be a great way to start and end the day. Not only are you getting many of the recommended 10,000 daily steps in, but you are leaving the car at home, avoiding the traffic, and arriving at work in a positive frame of mind.
Finally, with so many events being organized, you could consider setting a target, a 5km or 10km charity walk that you could aim to get involved in.
Get your friends and family members to support you, by either participating or by supporting you if you decide to fundraise as part of the event. Not only have you stopped a cycle of inactivity in the weeks and months leading up to this point, your efforts may help make a tangible difference to the lives of others.