Walking for health

[Nellie G]

I have heard that walking can be very beneficial for your heart, but I find it boring just walking round my local area any ideas to make it more interesting?

[Louise]

Hi Nellie G, I see this is your first post, Welcome. I know what you mean about how routine exercise can get boring. I found using local and National walking routes (http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/) helped to spice things up a bit.

I also came across a range of books 'AA 50 Walks (http://shop.theaa.com/store/walking)' that help me find those routes. The books cover routes by locality. So if you were in Yorkshire, there may be a book for that, this may also help you plan for walking routes when holidaying in the UK. Click this LINK (https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=aa+50+walks+series&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aaa+50+walks+series) to purchase and find out what areas are covered.

I hope this helps:o

[Sal]

I have heard that walking can be very beneficial for your heart, but I find it boring just walking round my local area any ideas to make it more interesting?


Hi Nellie, exercise can indeed be really boring - the thought of flogging myself in a gym looking at, well nothing, is mind numbing. I took up walking in the great outdoors and found certain routes became my fav's. This was simply down to what they entailed. Try walking through a coppice, or by a brook, or through your park by a tree that's always full of birds. When you find that interest you will get more out of it and the boredom will disappear. There is always something to see and there is always something that will have changed as the seasons progress.

If you can, you might also try to increase your pace. Do it gradually so that you exert your body that little bit more. You will find your body's natural feel good drug, endorphin, will lift your spirits. Pace doesn't have to mean just faster. You could try walking up hills too which will have the same effect. And, you will be rewarded with amazing views from the top.

Depending on whether you are also seeking that solitary 'expanse of peace' in your walk or simply just for exercise, you could also encourage a friend to join you and have a good natter along the way :)

[John B]

There are a lot of apps available to help you navigate around national walks, and some offer ideas on circular walks from short to long distances.

I particularly like View Ranger app.

[Paul]

Another vote here for the View Ranger app.

The app its self is free you then just pay a small fee for the Ordnance Survey map tiles that you need for any particular walk.

Once you have a the app on your device you can search for walks in any area, download the routes to your device then off you go and explore.

Have a look at their site here www.viewranger.com

[Louise]

Depending on whether you are also seeking that solitary 'expanse of peace' in your walk or simply just for exercise, you could also encourage a friend to join you and have a good natter along the way :)

Hi Sal,

what a great post, thank you. I hope you don't mind, but I loved your terminology 'expanse of peace'. I see a lot of people walking on their own along some remote pathways. I've often thought about why they walk alone, I think your quote sums it up beautifully. Sometimes we just want silence and alone time, time to connect with nature.

[Kellyjames]

Walking is so great isn't it. I found that my strength improved quite quickly and I lost weight on my legs and bum. Areas that are really difficult to target with other forms of exercise. Plus, I don't see it as exercise, more of a ramble through countryside and hills.

[Louise]

Hi, I came across this site and mobile app for walking, it looks really interesting, with trails all over the place. I would recommend you have a look and down load the app if you want more ideas for walking around the UK and beyond. Click on the image for more information.
https://www.withbrand.co.uk/images/case-studies/ifootpath-logotype.jpg (http://www.ifootpath.com/)

[Gwen Jones]

I've taken up walking to try and keep supple and healthy. I've done about four walks so far and have enjoyed the walk and how I feel afterwards.

I try and mix it up a bit, so I'm not always doing the same walk, and vary the terrain. I watched a programme which was aired last night on the BBC about walks in Britain, it was really inspiring. The presenter said that walking was now the country's most popular past time.

[Tom32]

I've taken up more fell walking and found it to be excellent for the soul as well as for the muscles and mind. The fresh, brisk air is just what the doctor ordered to blow away the cobwebs of the winter and prepare us for the spring ahead.

Gwen, I thought the walks around Britain was on ITV with Julia Bradbury? Definitely worth a watch for inspiration.

[Tom32]

Here is a link to the Britains Best Walks clip

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dvB6qOn9lXs

[Tanya]

I've taken up more fell walking and found it to be excellent for the soul as well as for the muscles and mind. The fresh, brisk air is just what the doctor ordered to blow away the cobwebs of the winter and prepare us for the spring ahead.

Gwen, I thought the walks around Britain was on ITV with Julia Bradbury? Definitely worth a watch for inspiration.

I have to say, I'm quite enjoying the TV series, it is giving me some inspiration to get out there and see the countryside a bit more. But, I have to admit, I keep thinking I must be getting old, enjoying such programmes :eek

[CharlieH]

I read somewhere that walking uses more energy from the hips, whereas running uses it from the ankles. Which is good because I have energy laden hips :rolleyes: that really could do with trimming up.

Seriously, I enjoy walking in the countryside, I find that as long as I keep up a consistently good pace, I feel stronger and energised afterwards and my legs tingle.

[J-jay]

I read that walking just 30 mins a day on a regular basis will cut your risk of strokes and heart attacks by up to 40%, which is amazing when you consider how easy it is to get 30 minutes of walking into a daily routine.

[Tom32]

For inspiration on walks around the UK, I recommend in buying the walking magazines, there are a few available, In fact I think the BBC has a walking mag too.
In the magazines there is normally a cut out section of various walks around the UK.

I've tried a few from their recommendations and found them to be good walks with interesting views.