This National Walking month we want to highlight the benefits of walking. It is something you do every day without even thinking about it, yet it is often overlooked as an effective form of exercise. Walking provides excellent benefits for both your mental and physical health; building stamina, burning excess calories and helping your heart to a healthier path are just a few of the physical benefits.

 

Walking is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health. You don’t have to walk for hours, just 30 minutes each day can increase your cardiovascular fitness, reduce excess body fat, strengthen bones and boost muscle endurance and power.

It can also reduce risks of developing conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis and also offer the chance to clear your mind of the stresses of the day. Exercise is proven to reduce stress and uplift your mood, so next time you're out with the dog or walking to work, take some deep breaths and mindfully acknowledge the sights, sounds and smells around you.

What better setting is there for your walk than the beautiful landscape of the New Forest?

This beautiful national park is ancient and has some of the rarest heathland in Europe. Excellent walking tracks offer plenty of places to absorb the beauty of the landscape and take your mind off of any physical exertion. Whether you are local to the area or visiting Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa for the first time, make the most of having this iconic and expansive area right on your doorstep.

If you are new to walking or not very active, nobody expects you to walk for miles straight away. Gradually increase the distance and duration as your body begins to build stamina. A distance that you struggle with at first will soon seem easy!

Use your walk as a time to bring people together. Whether it is to spend more quality time together as a family or a catch up with some friends, this is a great opportunity to bond as well as provide moral support along the way. Schedule it into your routine and soon it will seem normal. It could also be a great way to make some new friends, have a look for a walking group in your local area.

Are you struggling to get started? Here are our walking tips and ways to stay motivated

With technology advancing at great speed, there are so many new ways to motivate you. In the modern world you are never alone, so why not find a podcast to listen to or create a playlist of your favourite songs. Walking whilst listening to music or a podcast can really take your mind off the effort and make time go by quicker. Music can also help to get you into a rhythm and move that little bit faster!

 

Maybe a bit of competition is what you need? There are plenty of apps where you can compete with others. These are often linked with pedometers and fitness trackers, a great way to spur you on to finish your walk or push that little bit further, as well as track your progress.

Finally, you need to feel the part. It could be worth investing in some new walking gear if you are going to make this a regular thing, especially some trainers!

 

The easiest way to walk more is to make walking a habit. Think of ways to include walking in your daily routine such as:

• Walk part of the journey to work
• Walk the kids to school or part way if you live further away
• Walk to the local shops instead of driving
• Use the stairs instead if the lift
• Go for a walk after dinner with family or friends

Don’t forget to be safe. Take it at your own pace, you aren’t expected to be able to walk miles within the first few months. Drink plenty of fludis, remember to wear reflective clothing when walking in the dark and stick to well-lit areas.

 

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Exercise doesn't just have to stop with walking. When you become a Health Club Member at Careys Manor Hotel and SenSpa you can make full use of the health and leisure facilities.

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