We are a keen bunch of walkers so thought we would share why we enjoy walking:

Laura says:

For me personally hiking is a simple, free activity that creates a huge sense of achievement (releasing dopamine), I love the views, appreciating nature, it gets you away from screens, phones, TV etc also where I do a lot of my ‘life’ thinking and talking things through with my partner.  We love it so much we plan holidays around being able to hike a trail or do plenty of walking.

Another benefit is you don’t have to be able to afford a gym membership or Pilates class. It’s completely free and can be just as effective!

These are Laura’s health benefits of walking

  • ⁠increased heart and lung fitness
  • ⁠ improve management of conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint and muscular pain or stiffness, and diabetes.
  • ⁠stronger bones and improved balance.
  • ⁠low impact – suitable for most people
  • ⁠MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE (unless there is injury or health condition that means it is unsuitable)

And it’s even better if it’s outside:

  • can create social opportunities
  • ⁠sleep quality can improve with regular exercise (not just walking)
  • ⁠daily exposure to natural light helps regulate sleep and increase natural vitamin D
  • ⁠Outdoor activities can activate your senses: hearing, smell, sight, touch
  • ⁠mental space/freedom/calm

Tone says: ‘Getting out into nature daily with my dog is a non-negotiable activity in my week. I book everything around it, including work.’

Rob Rusak has a great tip to massage your feet after a long walk or run.  Instead of using a ball to roll around the sole of the foot, he recommends having a water bottle of frozen water ready and use that as a ‘mini massager’.  Make sure that you wear a sock for protection (you can also pop the water bottle into a sock) and roll your foot backwards and forwards.  This is a good way to reduce any inflammation and muscle stiffness in the foot and calf as well as decreasing cortisol levels which in turn help to reduce pain.

Mariana suggests that you can try practising walking backward to experience many other health benefits – see her blog here to read about why ‘retro’ walking is beneficial.

Sue, our Practice Manager enjoys completely switching off, freeing her mind whilst walking her dogs every day.

Liz says that if you’ve been injured and walking with a limp to compensate and this becomes learned behaviour, walking backwards can helps you stop limping because your mind re-sets your way of walking!  Of course, please be aware of the hazards of walking backwards and follow the advice in our blog https://www.lucksyardclinic.com/have-you-tried-walking-backwards/