Walk your way to a healthier 2008

9:35am Saturday 5th January 2008

RESIDENTS throughout the Vale are being encouraged to walk more as part of a healthier lifestyle for 2008.

It is recommended that adults participate in 30 minutes a day of moderate physical exercise, such as brisk walking, at least five days a week.

The county of Worcestershire has many picturesque walks that take in some of the most breathtaking local views in beauty spots such as Broadway Tower, Bredon Hill and the Malvern Hills, and what better way of getting fit than by exploring what is already on your doorstep says council health walks officer Alison Williams.

"Walking is the simplest and most natural form of exercise and is an excellent way of improving your health. It's really easy to increase the number of steps you take in a day by doing simple things like parking the car further away from your destination, using the stairs instead of the lift or taking a walk during your lunch break, and it's free.

"Walking with others is also a great social activity" she added, "and where better to take a walk than in Worcestershire's beautiful countryside."

The Vale Walking Group, that meets every Tuesday morning at Hampton Ferry Cafe in Evesham, is looking for more people to join its 2008 programme.

"Everybody is welcome" says Margaret Hibbard, one of the group's trained walk leaders. "They are sociable occasions that cater for a wide range of capabilities, and the outings are refined to ensure everybody enjoys the exercise, from those who just love walking, to those who need to get a bit fitter or lose some weight."

Editor's Choice