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Walking
Towards Improved Health In Barnsley
As daylight lasts
longer and the weather gets brighter, this is a great time
to get outside and do some exercise, by joining the hundreds
of people expected to take part in Barnsley's first ever
Walking Festival.
During
April, May and June, the festival aims to encourage more
people in Barnsley to take up walking as an easy way to
keep fit.
The
Barnsley Walking Festival will include over 30 walks, each
circular and each led by two local people who are able to
take walkers through the industrial heritage and natural
beauty of Barnsley's countryside. The walks will also vary
in length and intensity.
Fit
for the Future has provided funding for the Walking Festival
to encourage Barnsley people to make small lifestyle changes
that can contribute to big health improvements, for example
walking a short distance daily.
The
first 300 participants will be given a free pedometer, as
they are thought to be an excellent way to motivate people
into incorporating more walking into their everyday routine.
Clipped on to your waistband, pedometers count the number
of steps you take throughout the day, whether that's walking
children to school or taking the dog for a walk. They also
record the distance you have walked and can even estimate
the number of calories you have used! The provide a great
incentive for increasing daily activity levels.
Elaine
Ogden said: "We were thrilled to offer Fit for the
Future's support. We think a Walking Festival will engage
many people in Barnsley who do not regularly exercise, and
encourage those who do to go one step further."
"Barnsley
has beautiful scenery, walking is free, what more of an
excuse do you need? The Walking Festival we have organised
will give everyone the opportunity to join in, meet new
people, go to new places, and should generally be enjoyable
for all who take part"
- Walking is within the physical capabilities of most
people
- Walking reduces the risk of coronary heart disease,
stoke, diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoporosis.
- Walking regularly is known to improve both confidence
and self-esteem
- For older people walking can help to improve balance,
mobility and assist in the prevention of falls
- Walking just one mile can burn at least 100kcal
For
more information on the Barnsley Walking Festival please
contact the Festival Information Line at the Tourist Information
Centre on 01226 206757.
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