NEWS RELEASES
Time to get walking
20 January 2010
FEELING great in 2010 starts with small steps - walking is fun, free and a fresh air way to help along those resolutions and with Horsham District Council’s Health Walks it’s easy to do.
The Health Walks scheme, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, has a range of walks organised for across the Horsham District over the coming year.
Walking is a great form of exercise. It can be incorporated easily into everyday life, regardless of age or fitness. Walking is especially important for those with specific health problems or with very limited fitness. It can also play a major role in helping maintain a good level of fitness and keeping illness at bay. What’s more, it’s free.
Jill Shuker, Health Walks co-ordinator at Horsham District Council, said:
“This is our year of celebration; the Horsham District Health Walks scheme is 10 years old! We are organising extra special walks throughout the year, all planned to celebrate this important milestone. Our walk leaders work very hard to plan delightful walks for the walkers: their reward is your enjoyment of the walk, so please do come along and join them, they would be delighted to see you.”
The main benefits of walking regularly are as follows:
- Walking can prevent and manage heart disease
- Regular walking can help reduce weight, prevent weight gain, strengthen bones and reduce osteoporosis
- Regular walking can improve balance, co-ordination and flexibility, which helps to prevent falls
- Exercise can help relieve anxiety and depression
Cllr Andrew Baldwin, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Development at Horsham District Council, said:
“It’s great that we’re celebrating 10 years of Health Walks in the District, and I know that the wonderful programme of walks which have been organised for this year will provide a fitting celebration for this anniversary.
“I thoroughly recommend taking a walk as part of everyone's daily routine, and I am sure that anyone who takes part in the Council's walks programme will enjoy the experience of getting out and about and meeting new friends. It’s also a great way of seeing more of our beautiful District, as well as staying fit and healthy.”
The programme of guided walks enables people to take part in regular walks in a relaxed, friendly environment and, at the same time, explore the lovely towns, villages and countryside throughout the Horsham District. All walks publicised are led by trained volunteers - just turn up and have fun.
Three different levels of difficulty are offered within the walks programme.
Level 1 walks – Suitable for new walkers, those recovering from illness, accident or operation and walkers with limited stamina. No stiles on these walks.
Level 2 walks – Moderate walking speed, often stiles and inclines on the route.
Level 3 walks – Fast steady pace. The route could involve steep inclines, stiles and rutted terrain.
For more information and a list of the latest walks, go to the Horsham District Council website, alternatively call Jill Shuker at Horsham District Council on 01403 215269 or email jill.shuker@horsham.gov.uk.
Ends
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk