Why Every Step Counts

Walking – it’s free, easy, and one of the most powerful ways to boost both your physical and mental health.  Yet, so many of us underestimate its impact!

So we’re sharing all the benefits of walking:

Walking Reduces Stress

When your feet wander, your mind follows. Whether it’s a short stroll or a long walk, stepping outside can clear your thoughts, boost your mood, and reduce stress. Research even shows that highly active people tend to have lower stress levels than those who are less active.

Walking Helps You Discover Your Area

How often do we jump in the car or take public transport without really seeing what’s around us? Walking lets you experience your surroundings in a whole new way. You might find hidden gems in your local area – like a beautiful park or a scenic footpath you’ve never noticed before.

Walking Improves Heart Health

Your heart loves movement! Walking is a great aerobic exercise that keeps your heart, lungs, and muscles in top condition, lowering your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

Walking Helps To Maintain A Healthy Weight

We’re not talking about weight loss here. Walking helps tone and strengthen your muscles while burning calories at your own natural pace. No need to rush; just moving consistently makes a difference.

Walking Improves Sleep

A good walk can help release built-up tension in your body, making it easier to relax and fall into a restful sleep. Just be mindful if you’re walking at night, keep it gentle so it doesn’t energise you too much before bed!

Walking Supports Your Loved Ones

Why not put your steps toward something meaningful? Sponsored walks, like our Night Hike, are a great way to improve your health while raising funds to support people facing cancer. 

If you’re thinking about getting out and walking, good for you! One piece of advice we have is, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to walk a marathon straight away.

Gradually build up your walking distance each time you venture out. If you try for too long a walk before you’re ready, not only could you hurt yourself but also lose momentum and confidence. So take it nice and slow. Remember, every step you take is literally one step closer to your goal.

If walking any distance seems like a big task right now, why not start with smaller easier targets to work your way up to longer walk.

• Use the stairs instead of the lift
• Get off the bus one stop earlier
• Walk around your house for the duration of a phone call
• At the Supermarket walk up and down every aisle
• Skip drive through ordering. Park and walk into the premises
• Use your lunch break to a lap or two of your office

Incorporating one, or all, of these small steps into your daily routine will add up week by week, month by month and before you know it, you’ll be walking further and feeling better.

If your walk ever takes you past our centre be sure to pop in and say ‘Hi’!