“Get Walking Week” encouraging local people to put on walking shoes
May 8th, 2013
We are urging local people to take the first steps to a healthier lifestyle, and strap on their walking shoes as part of the national ‘Get Walking Week’ which takes place this week (4th–11th May 2013).
We want to raise awareness of the health benefits of walking after research from walking charity, the Ramblers, has shown that 25% of adults walk for no longer than one hour per week. A further 43% of adults surveyed admitting to walking for less than two hours per week.
If you want to get walking, we have a range of free health walks available across the County, thanks to the Stepping Out in Suffolk health walks team. Each walk is led by a trained health walk leader and is graded according to your fitness levels. The walks range from 35 minutes to three hours and feature some of the county’s most beautiful scenery.
Stephanie Cullen, Stepping out in Suffolk health walk co-ordinator said: “Now the spring is here, there has never been a better time to get some fresh air and take a nice stroll. Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve your fitness and we are hopeful that as many people as possible will be inspired to join us on our free walks.”
Her thoughts were echoed by Steven Lee-Foster, Director of Live Well Suffolk who added: “Walking regularly has a number of health benefits. Not only will these walks give you fresh air, they can help lower your blood pressure, manage your weight and give you the opportunity to meet new people. Thanks to the range of health walks available, they are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels and we are looking forward to seeing some new faces.”
Walks ranging from two to six miles have been scheduled to take place in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Haverhill, Clare, Aldeburgh and Woodbridge over the next few weeks. A detailed list of the range of health walks is available online here
