Walk your way to health

Above: Socialise on a guided health walk

WALKING is arguably the best form of exercise there is. It’s something that most people can do, you don’t need any special equipment and, in addition, it’s free.
To add to all that the Countryside Management Service (CMS) has turned it into a social event by providing short, brisk walks led by volunteers across the county. There are schemes in Dacorum, Harpenden, Hertsmere, Hitchin, Highfield (St Albans), Watford and Three Rivers and you are welcome to
join in the fun and walk off that festive indulgence.
The purpose of the walks is to get people from all walks of life active, outdoors and enjoying the huge benefits to be had from walking. Health walks are an ideal way of taking the recommended 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise five times a week.

Five reasons you should join a Herts health walk:

• They’re suitable for all ages
• and abilities;
• They’re local, short and free of charge;
• They’re sociable;
• They’re good for you, strengthening your heart, muscles and bones and helping to reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart attacks and osteoporosis;
• They’re good for your overall wellbeing, helping to de-stress, combat depression and increase confidence.

In the last year the CMS health walkers attended well over 1,000 walks across the county and walked the equivalent of one-and-a-half times around the world (around 35,000 miles).
John from the Dacorum Health Walks says, ‘I have enjoyed all of the walks and the guides make it enjoyable. It’s a nice social event and I feel better for doing the walks.’
Ruth from the Harpenden Scheme adds, ‘We enjoy our locality and we gain health and social benefits from walking our parish paths. We learn about our wildlife and our history as well as keeping up with local gossip.’

Start walking
Look out for the walk programmes in GP surgeries, libraries or council offices or download the programmes at www.hertsdirect.org/healthwalks
Or call 01727 848168 for your local programme or more information on setting up new walks or volunteering as a walk leader.