Walk your way to a healthy lifestyle
If you are looking to improve your health, meet new people and enjoy the best scenery our district has to offer then join the new Health Walk Group.
If you are looking to improve your health, meet new people and enjoy the best scenery our district has to offer then join the new Health Walk Group.
Lancaster City Council’s Active Health Team is starting a walking club for people who want to improve their health by joining in with some gentle exercise.
Every Wednesday the group will meet at the Battery on Morecambe promenade and spend around half an hour walking. The group is open to all and is free to join and all you need to bring are comfortable shoes and clothing.
Walking is good for your heart and lungs and improves cardiovascular fitness. Most of the work is done by the muscles of the lower body, and it’s a weight-bearing activity, so it can help improve bone density. At the same time its low impact so it won’t strain your joints. Walking will also increase your muscle tone, boost metabolism, ease stress, raise energy levels and improve sleep, which combined can also help you lose weight. Regular walking can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, osteoporosis and arthritis. It can help you to deal with anxiety and stress, and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Lancaster City Council’s Active Health team operates a referral scheme for NHS patients who have any risk factors for coronary heart disease. Residents who meet the scheme's criteria are referred to the team by their GP or practice nurse, and a 12-week individually-tailored programme of physical activities is then developed.
For more information on the Health Walk Group or to speak to the Active Health Team, please contact 01524 582607.
Date Updated: 07/06/10