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Our bodies are designed to move. Walking is easy, free, and easy to do. It improves your health and prevents disease.
Walking can:
- Make you feel good
- Give you more energy
- Reduce stress and help you sleep better
- Keep your heart 'strong' and reduce blood pressure
- Help to manage your weight
Why is walking the perfect activity for health?
- Almost everyone can do it
- You can do it anywhere and any time
- It's a chance to make new friends
- It's free and you don't need special equipment
- You can start slowly and build up gently
Don't just take our word for it ... look at what other professionals have to say:
Health Canada recommends adults be active 30 to 60 minutes a day. The minimum is 30 minutes for health benefits. That's all it takes to be healthier.
Try to take a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day. Start slowly and gradually add time. You could walk for ten minutes, three times a day or 15 minutes twice a day at first. The most important thing is that you start 'where you're at' and build up gradually.
'Brisk' walking means walking so that you breathe a little faster, feel warmer and have a slightly faster heart beat. You should still be able to talk. If you can't carry on a conversation, then you're going too fast!
Did you know that half of Halton residents are not active enough to remain healthy? Those who are the least physically active have the most to gain by taking a 30 minute walk every day. Take your first step today!
What should I wear?
A good pair of shoes is the only equipment required - any shoes that are comfortable, provide good support and don't cause blisters.
Loose fitting clothing allows you to move more freely. Wear thin layers of clothes rather than heavy, bulky clothing.
Take a bottle of water, and if the sun is shining wear a sun hat and sun screen.
Make it a habit!
- The easiest way to walk more is to build it into your daily routine.
- Think before you drive less than a mile - walk to the store, post office, coffee shop, or video store
- Throw away the TV remote control (or the TV)
- Get off the bus a stop earlier
- When you park your car, park at the back of the parking lot
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator
- Enjoy a walking lunch - walk to the park
- Borrow a friend's dog and take it for a walk
- Walk the children to school
Here are some tips to keep you motivated:
- Do a regular walk with a friend
- Order a Walk this Way kit – use the calendar to record your steps/kilometres
- Keep a diary - write down what you did and the route you took
- Leave your walking shoes by the door to remind you!
- Try to build walking into your daily life
- Establish a routine - go for a stroll with family or friends after dinner
- Borrow a pedometer from your library – aim for 10,000 steps a day
- Take a look at how far you've come - is it easier now to climb the stairs?
Download local maps and trail guides:
Looking for some company when walking? Join a walking group.
Walk This Way: A self-help kit designed to help men and women become more active:
- Call: 905-825-6000 or 1-866-442-5866 ext. 7887
Library Pedometer Lending Program:
Conservation Halton – many parks to choose from
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Purchase a Halton Hikes guide at any Chapters or call: 905-336-1158
Discover the best hiking trails in Halton
Count & log your steps
Conservation Halton plants a tree for every 10,000 steps logged.
www.haltonhikes.ca
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