NEWS RELEASES
Keep walking!
9th January 2007
NEW YEAR’S resolutions can be easier to stick to if there’s plenty of support, which is where Horsham District Council’s ‘Walk and talk your way to health’ programme comes in.
‘Walk and talk your way to health’ provides everyone with the opportunity and reason to undertake regular walking in a friendly, relaxed environment and at the same time explore the lovely towns, villages and countryside throughout the District.
The leaders of all the walks are trained volunteers who give their time up every week in order to guide walkers.
Jill Shuker, Health Walks Co-ordinator for Horsham District Council, said:
“Walking is a great form of exercise. It can be incorporated easily into everyday life, regardless of how fit you are, or your age.
“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.”
“Anybody can walk, you don’t need any type of different clothing or footwear, or any training, it is free and you can do it at any time! All our walks are organised and free of charge so there shouldn’t be any excuses – all you have to do is turn up and enjoy yourself.”
Cllr Vivien Lyth, Cabinet Member for Community Partnerships and Housing Services at Horsham District Council, said:
“Being out in the fresh air, enjoying the countryside, a park or maybe a riverside walk is a very good way to unwind and get rid of the stresses of work or those niggling worries.
“Walking with a group of people is very enjoyable. It is a great way to meet people, and make new friends.”
The programme, which is available from Horsham District Council’s Park North reception in North Street, Horsham, the Tourist Information Centre in The Causeway, Horsham and Swan Walk Shopping Centre in Horsham, as well as libraries and doctors' surgeries in the District, is free of charge and is revised every three months.
Some of the main benefits of walking regularly include prevention and management of heart disease, reduction of weight, prevention of weight gain, strengthen bones and reduction of osteoporosis. Regular walking can also improve balance, coordination and flexibility, which helps to prevent falls.
There are more than one hundred walks available to join in with over the next three months across the Horsham District.
These will include walks that fit into lunch hours in Horsham, walks ending at pubs in various locations and walks for 20-40 year olds as well as walks covering all levels of skill from beginner through to expert.
The programme of walks is also available online.
For more information contact Jill Shuker, Health Walks Co-ordinator at Horsham District Council on 01403 215269.
Ends
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk