Walk your way to WELLNESS

It's easy, free and you can do it anytime, anywhere. Let's get active!

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Walking is simply one of the best ways to keep you healthy — it makes your blood pressure dip, strengthens bones, raises your spirits and, if you start out right, it can spark a love affair with the simplest and cheapest fitness regime.

Boosts energy

Studies have shown that if you're tired, working out at a rate of about six out of 10 for exertion is the sweet spot that makes you feel alert without leaving you feeling fatigued. A brisk walk measures about six out of 10 for effort.

Regulates hormones

Women who walk after menopause can lower their risk of breast cancer — even if they do absolutely no other form of exercise — according to research by the American Cancer Society. Walking for at least an hour a day can cut your risk by 14 percent, possibly because it regulates levels of hormones that can encourage breast tumours to grow.

Feeds your brain

According to Italian research, people over the age of 65, who used the most energy walking, reduced their risk of developing dementia by 27 percent. It’s believed that increased blood flow caused by exercise helps to nourish the brain. It’s worth noting that an easy-to-perform activity such as walking provided the same cognitive benefits as other more demanding pursuits.

Can cut cravings

As well as burning around 300 calories an hour, depending on how much you weigh, a brisk 15-minute walk mid-afternoon reduces the amount of sweet stuff people consume, according to studies from the University of Exeter. Researchers believe that snacking on high-calorie foods, such as chocolate, can become a mindless habit that leads to weight gain — but a short walk helped people to regulate their intake by half.

Helps fight diseases