#NationalHeartMonth with JWP Training - First Aid Training Yorkshire
Walking and its benefits - Written by Joe Patterson PT
To close National Heart Month for 2021, we have been talking to Joe Patterson about how we can keep our hearts healthy. Joe spoke with us about walking. Take a read of what his advice is to maintain a Healthy Heart.
Why should we walk?
Walking is something that comes extremely natural to human beings. It is probably one of the
most under-rate forms of exercise. It is so simple, yet when we are told to specifically walk and
put a mindful effort in it becomes a chore. So in this short snippet, I am going to talk to you
about why you should walk.
But first, what are the actual benefits of walking?
Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce
excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of
developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers
This doesn't mean you have to pick up speed walking, simply put, you can begin making a
difference by putting your shoes on and walking to the shop. Then to top up the daily count,
changing habits such as parking your car right in front of the supermarket, instead park a little
further away and the accumulation of time walking can almost feel seamless yet so beneficial.
There are other benefits associated with walking such as it making you happy. A good way of
looking at it is that you are disconnecting to reconnect with yourself. In a world where
technology is king, for us to go outside seems almost abnormal but in fact, we have been
designed to go out, socialise, hunt and gather. So in 21st century terms, we can go for a walk
with family or friends (in your support bubble), search for a nice route and then gather some
thoughts and ideas on what to have for tea after you have built up a healthy appetite from
venturing out.
What is the cost?
The cost is effort, nothing in life is technically for free, but putting in a small amount of effort into
walking can lead to huge benefits and in all honesty with the gyms being closed and many
places unfortunately being closed. This sum of effort what we should be putting into ourselves is
and always will be worth it. Whether that's for you to have a break from the screens of
technology, to cool off from an argument or to simply see the scenery of what the hills of
Sheffield hold for our eyes.
Get your trainers or boots on and go for a walk, you’ll be amazed at what you may discover.
To assist your journey, I recommend downloading for FREE ‘OS Maps’ it has pre-planned
routes for you to follow within your limits and it gives you a guide even when you do not have
any signal.
Follow Joe Patterson on his Social Media channels to keep up to date with any top tips.
Linkedin;
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepattersonpt
Instagram;
Joe Patterson PT (@joe.patterson) • Instagram photos and videos
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