National Walking Month

May is National Walking Month and campaigners hope to use the month to promote the benefits of everyday walking and to get everyone on the move, no matter what your level of fitness.

Walking is simple and free as well as being one of the easiest ways to be more active, lose weight and lead a healthier lifestyle. Unfortunately the benefits of walking as a form of exercise are often overlooked.

The advantages of walking range from helping improve your physical and mental well being and by building walking into your day you can also save money and help the environment.

Charity Living Streets is encouraging us all to make simple changes to our days such as walking all or part of our commute, planning a walking meeting or going for a lunchtime walk.

Walking for just 20 minutes a day can transform fitness levels, improve health and reduce stress and anxiety.

Taking a brisk walk can burn up to 110 calories – an easy way to burn calories.

With many of us rushing from the commute to the office, and then eating lunch at our desks before heading home for a night in front of the television, we are unwittingly risking our health.

Evidence shows that physical activity can also be effective in boosting mood. In addition, it is a great way to clear your head at the beginning or end of a stressful day.

For more information about National Walking Month and events going-on across Surrey and Sussex visit www.livingstreets.org.uk

[box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=”800″]4Sight Ramblers (Mid Sussex South) Celebrate their 5th Birthday

Next month is the fifth birthday of 4Sight Ramblers (Mid Sussex South), a 30-strong member group of walkers who are blind, partially sighted or volunteers.

Leaders Anne Tomlinson and Jane Aston came together when they recognised blind and partially sighted people had difficulties getting out in the countryside.

The group meets on the first Monday of the month at a chosen venue and walks for around four miles before stopping for a meal at a nearby pub or restaurant.

Everybody who needs one gets assistance from a volunteer guide who helps with the walk and the post-walk lunch, volunteer drivers also provide transport.

For more information, call Anne on 01444 456026 or Jane on 01444 870462 or visit www.4sightsussex.co.uk[/box]