May is National Walking Month

I walk every day come rain or shine so I am delighted to discover that it is National Walking Month, every May. National Walking month, is the perfect opportunity to get outside, start moving and focus on our health education.

Walking is for all ages and is a fantastic way to keep active and maintain a healthy heart as it is fun, flexible and free. Walking is an easy and accessible way to improve physical and mental health and a 30-minute walk daily can manage and reduce the risks from a number of preventable health conditions including anxiety, depression, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Walking is a great activity for the whole family. Being mindful of others when you plan the route when considering walking abilities, push chairs, wheelchairs and fitness of everyone in the group is a simple way of getting involved and making a difference.

I love walking and one of my favourite places to walk is around Virginia Water. The seasonal changes in the plants and trees and changing week on week so you never get bored. If your lucky you even get to see the deer. There is always something new to see. You get out in the fresh air and feel great after a long walk.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Wear the right shoes. Look after you feet and they will look after you.

2. Invite your Study Buddies to walk with you.

3. Walk while you are learning your spellings.

4. Let nature guide you – walk in places where there is a lot green.

5. Take photos.

6. Walk to your local shops rather than take the car.

7. Scavenger Hunt colours, plants, birds, or on along the river boats, in an urban walk

vehicles on your walk. I know a few boys who Scavenge Hunt diggers and cranes.

8. Go on along the less used path – but not lone! For long walks, plan you route and know

how to get back to the car.

9. Play Left Right Straight Ahead, with each person in the group taking a turn to decide

which path to go along.

10. Get creative and take some art materials with you and do some art where you rest.

11. Walk at different times of the day.

12. Take the dog.

13. On longer walks - know where the toilets are!

One very important tip:

Always prepare for the weather.

There is nothing worse than getting soaked through when you could have brought a coat or getting sun burnt when you could have taken a hat! On very hot days take some water with you and some ice cream money! On cold days take hot chocolate money!