Though a seemingly simple activity, walking holds remarkable potential for improving your health and well-being. Whether you’re a lifelong fitness enthusiast or just starting your journey toward a more active lifestyle, walking can be your gateway to better health.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the benefits of walking, the importance of proper technique, and how WalkActive can elevate your walking experience to new heights.
Why Walk?
Walking is a natural and accessible form of exercise that requires no special equipment. However, it’s important to ensure that you have the correct technique to fully reap the benefits and prevent strain or injury or exacerbate any existing conditions.
That’s where WalkActive takes the lead. We’re your guides, ensuring every step you take counts – refining your technique, boosting your posture, and enhancing your fitness
Regular walking with good technique has been shown to:
- Improve Cardiovascular Health: Brisk walking helps to strengthen the heart, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Aid Weight Management: Walking burns calories and can help you maintain a healthy weight or lose excess pounds when combined with a balanced diet.
- Boost Mental Wellbeing: Spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, which can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Walking also provides an opportunity for mindfulness, allowing you to focus on the present moment and clear your mind of worries.
- Enhance Physical Fitness: Walking regularly can increase stamina, build muscle strength, and improve overall fitness levels. It’s a great way to stay active without putting excessive strain on your joints.
- Promote Social Connection: Walking with friends, and family, or joining a community of walkers like WalkActive can turn exercise into a social activity, providing motivation and support.
Getting Started
The beauty of walking is its simplicity. You can start at any time and anywhere! Here are some tips for getting started:
- Set Goals: Before you begin, think about what you want to achieve on your walking journey! With the WalkActive app, there’s a huge library of videos, resources, monthly challenges and live classes available for you to take at your own pace to achieve your goals.
- Invest in Comfortable Footwear: Choose shoes or trainers that provide adequate support and cushioning for your foot and foot mechanics. With WalkActive we recommend a more flexible sole and a wider toe box to prevent blisters and reduce the risk of injury. This allows your foot to spread and enhance the correct tracking to safe guide joints and optimise alignment.
- Stay Motivated: Mix up your walking routine by exploring different routes, listening to music or podcasts, and joining the WalkActive community by downloading the app for added motivation and accountability.
Join the WalkActive Community
For added support and guidance on your walking journey, consider joining the WalkActive community by downloading the WalkActive app. Led by expert Joanna Hall, the app provides comprehensive courses, personalised feedback, motivation, and social connection to help you stay on track with your fitness goals.
At the heart of WalkActive lies a scientifically proven system developed by Prof Darren James and his team at South Bank Sports Performance Laboratory. This system focuses on refining your walking technique to enhance posture, reduce joint impact, and increase walking speed by up to 24%.
By incorporating WalkActive principles into your daily routine, you can unlock the full potential of every step and embark on a journey to a healthier, happier you. So lace up your shoes, step outside, and let the transformative power of walking guide you towards a healthier lifestyle!
