Walking your way to a happier body

Objectives  Types of walking  Why should you walk  How often should you walk  Where to walk  What resources do we have for you to walk?

What is walking? There are 3 main types: Regular Walking:  Move at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once. Fitness Walking:  The aerobic sport of brisk, rhythmic, vigorous walking, intended to improve cardiovascular efficiency, strengthen the heart, control weight gain, and reduce stress. Nordic Walking:  Nordic walking is fitness walking with specially designed poles. While trekkers, backpackers and skiers had been using the basic concept for decades, it was first formally defined with the publication of "Sauvakävely" by Marko Kantaneva in Nordic Walking's concept was developed on the basis of off-season ski-training activity

Regular and Fitness walking  Everyone can participate  No equipment needed (unless participant requires walker or cane)  Easy on joints  Great cardiovascular workout  Even 5 minutes of walking benefits your health

Nordic Walking  Requires poles  Some people may not be able to participate  30 minutes of pole walking equals 50 minutes of regular walking  Pole walking reduces the impact on joints by 26%  By using poles one can burn up to 48% more calories

Benefits of Walking Maintain independence by increasing mobility Increased cardiovascular strength Increased cardiorespiratory endurance Weight control Improved sleep Reduces symptoms of anxiety Reduces arthritis pain

How much walking should you do?  Every week to maintain your health you should participate in 150 minutes or 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity  You can do it for 10 minutes at a time and every step counts!!

Where should you walk?  Inside your community  Mall walking  Outside

How can we help?  Walking clubs  Pole walking clubs  Striders Walking challenge

Thank you!!  Any questions???