Why Walk?
Physical Activity - the facts
Physical inactivity has been described as the ‘silent killer of our time’. Lack of physical activity is one of the biggest causes of illness and death in Scotland and increasing activity levels is now a priority for many national and local organisations. People who are active are more likely to live longer, enjoy more healthy years of life and remain independent.
NHS Health Scotland recommend that we should be doing 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week. A good guide to the term ‘moderate activity’ is that the effect should leave us slightly out of breath and feeling warmer but still able to talk. Nearly 60% of the Scottish population do not meet these levels.
Why Walking for Health?
Walking is an ideal activity to promote to inactive people because:
- It is free and requires no special equipment
- It is accessible to all regardless of age, income, location and ability
- It is within the physical capabilities of most people and is a realistic goal for inactive people
- Walking combines all the physical benefits of activity with an opportunity for social contact and support
- Walking can easily be incorporated into our daily lives
- It can be enjoyed safely and there is a low risk of injury
Encouraging people to become more active can bring about a wide range of benefits such as:
- Disease prevention
- Weight management and the prevention of associated illnesses
- Positive mental health promotion
To read personal stories of the benefits of walking please see Walker Stories.
Section 2 of the Scheme Initiator manual – Walking, Exercise and Health provides fully referenced information on the relationship between physical activity and health.
The Paths to Health leaflet, Walk More, Feel the Difference highlights the benefits of walking. Download and print or order copies here.
For more information on the benefits of being physically active, visit the Healthy Living website, the British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Health, the British Heart Foundation or England’s Walking the Way to Health Initiative.
