Get the family walking

When getting from A to B, whether its going to work or visiting friends, you can leave the car at home and get the whole family walking. It'll keep you and your family healthy and it's a lot less stressful than being stuck in traffic. Best of all, taking a walk is pure quality time with your children – no TV, no distractions, just chat.

Why walking is good for you

Walking is a great way to improve the general health of the whole family. It's a feel-good exercise that's also good for the environment and completely free. Check out why walking is so fantasic:

• No planning – be spontaneous: all you need are your feet and a pair of trainers or comfy shoes.
• With your wellies and mac: a rainy day is no excuse and the kids will love the puddles.
• Good for bones and muscles: help your kids grow up big and strong. Walking is good for bone density and posture and helps keep little bodies lean and supple.
• Builds up stamina: walking gets your whole body used to being healthy, and the younger the children are, the better it is for them to start building up their stamina.
• Burns calories: a brisk walk can burn calories and help keep you trim. The brisker the better but you should still be able to hold a conversation.
• Helps beat stress: walking can make you feel good, especially if you're out and about in surroundings that you love.
• Sociable: take a friend and have a natter while you walk.
• Travel: walking is a great way of making short journeys instead of taking the car; and you save money.

 

Strolling in Gloucestershire - Walking festival 2010

Strolling in Gloucestershire is a county-wide event focusing on promoting a healthy lifestyle through a fun and enjoyable activity - walking!

The festival has run over the past few years and its aim is to promote walking as a fun opportunity to help encourage more people to be active across the county. This year's festival ran for the whole month of July.

Walks took place across all 6 districts and there is something for all ages and abilities whether you fancy a short stroll around your local area, or a longer hike in a more rural setting. The walks provide a chance to meet new people, explore a new area and most importantly, participate in an enjoyable activity that will benefit your health.

For more information why not download our free Strolling in Gloucestershire Walking festival brochure. Even though the event has passed it still gives you some ideas of routes you can walk independently.

Don't forget you can still join local health walks in your area.

Why Walk?

Walking has many benefits:

• Social opportunities - bring a friend!
• Increased confidence and self esteem
• Weight management and the prevention of associated illnesses such as diabetes, coronary heart disease and obesity
• Positive mental health
• Strengthened bone density
• But most importantly, it's fun!

We are actively encouraging children, adults and families to come and join us on one of our walks over the month and if you really enjoy yourself you can continue to walk with us on our regular, weekly health walks programme.

Have a look at our brochure to find out when we are walking, we walk across the town each week as well as walking further a field taking in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside.

Walk4Life Health Walks

Would you like to become a little more active? Do you enjoy walking? Why not join one of Tewkesbury's short health walks?

Walk4Life is Tewkesbury Borough's health walks scheme. It is part of the Walking the way to Health initiative , a joint venture between Natural England and the British Heart Foundation.

The scheme aims to encourage and support people who would like to be a little more active to take part in local short walks in their community. Walks are led by trained volunteers, are FREE, and last approximately 30-60 minutes.

Walking is a great way of incorporating activity into everyday life! Walking is suitable for most people and provides many benefits to your health and well-being; it is inexpensive, suitable for all ages and it is a great way to meet new people. It also has various health benefits, just 30 minutes each day will:

• help to control your body weight
• help keep your heart 'strong' and reducing blood pressure
• help to reduce stress and
• increase your confidence and overall well-being

Weekly walks start outside the Abbey refectory, Church Street, Tewkesbury every Monday at 1.30pm. for more information please contact our local volunteer on 01684 272190.

More information

If you want more information, why not download the free Count Me In! toolkit which highlights the benefits of walking and safety tips.