Walking helps strengthen your bones and muscles

Walking is an excellent form of physical activity that can help strengthen your bones and muscles. It is a low-impact activity that is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels and it can be done anywhere at any time. 

Walking is a weight-bearing exercise, which means that it puts pressure on your bones and helps to stimulate the growth of new bone tissue. This is particularly important for older adults, who may be at risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions. Walking can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures and breaks. 

In addition to strengthening bones, walking can also help to build and tone muscles, particularly in the legs, hips and core. Walking at a brisk pace can help to increase your heart rate, which can lead to improved cardiovascular health and better overall fitness. It can also help to improve your balance and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falls and injuries.

Walking is a simple and convenient way to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. There are many opportunities to walk, whether it’s through local parks and nature reserves, or by walking to work or school. The NHS recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking, per week. This can be broken down into 30 minutes of activity per day, five days a week.

To get the most out of your walking routine, it’s important to ensure that you are walking at a brisk pace. This means walking fast enough to raise your heart rate and break a sweat, but not so fast that you are out of breath. You can also try incorporating hills or stairs into your walk, which can help to increase the intensity of your workout.

In addition to its physical benefits, walking can also have a positive impact on mental health. Walking outdoors in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and can promote feelings of well-being and relaxation.

‘For Men To Talk – Biggleswade… and Walk’ is held on the 2nd Sunday every month at 9.15am. starting from Jones’ Cafe in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. 

‘For Men To Talk – Bedford… and Walk’ is held every Thursday at 6pm, starting from Cloverdale Retreat, Priory Country Park in Bedfordshire, Bedfordshire.