HUNDREDS of people from across Worcestershire having been walking themselves into good health in May for National Walking Month.
There are close to 30 walking groups in the county led by a network of over 200 volunteers, providing people with the opportunity to explore the countryside and get active and become healthier and happier.
They are aimed at improving the county’s health and wellbeing by encouraging more people to become physically active through the simplest form of exercise.
The walks are short and over easy terrain and are open to everyone, but especially aimed at those who are least active.
Walking is one of the easiest ways to get active, lose weight and become healthier.
Just increasing your physical activity to 150 minutes a week will bring significant health benefit.
Doing a brisk 30-minute walk is a great way to work towards the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise for adults.
Dr Frances Howie, Director of Public Health from Worcestershire County Council, said: “Getting more active is a really effective way to improve health.
“It will improve mental health and well-being as well as physical health.
“We are lucky to have so many dedicated volunteers leading walks in our beautiful county. I would really encourage people who have not been on a health walk yet to find out more and get involved, and I would encourage those who are already involved to consider becoming volunteers and lead a walk.”
To find out more about Health Walks, and to find your nearest group, go to www.worcestershire.gov.uk and search for ‘Health Walks’.
Walking for Health is a national programme by The Ramblers supported through the People’s Postcode Lottery and Macmillan.
