Walking for Health Initiative
Summary
Walking the way to Health is an initiative of the British Heart Foundation and the Countryside Agency. The aim is to improve the health and fitness of more than a million people, especially those who do little exercise or who live in areas of poor health.
Further information
Fitter people live longer
Fitter people have a greater chance of living longer. Today’s lifestyles discourage many from being active; at least seven in ten people do not take enough exercise to benefit their health. Some doctors call this the “silent epidemic”. Walking is almost perfect exercise, requiring no equipment or expense; it is the best way for people from all walks of life to become more active.
Walking the way to Health Initiative focuses primarily on promoting walking for health in our local communities by providing safe and supervised environments in which to walk. This takes the format of producing a programme of guided walks, led by trained volunteer health walks leaders. There are walks for all levels of fitness, namely:
Introductory Walk
Under one mile, virtually flat, no steps or stiles. These walks are for:
- An introduction to health walking.
- Those that do little or no physical activity at present.
- People restricted by mobility problems, walk slowly or find hills a struggle.
Level One Walk
Approx:one - two miles, flat to minor gradients, mostly hard surfaced paths; possibly one or two steps. Aimed at:
-
people that do a small amount of physical activity but need to increase this, and;
-
people with minor mobility problems but who can cope with slight gradients and uneven terrain on local footpaths.
Level Two Walk
Approx: 1.5 - 2.75 miles, paths a little more challenging with moderate slopes. These walks may also have a couple of steps or stiles to climb. Aimed at:
-
people that already do a certain amount of physical activity, and;
-
people who walk at a moderate pace and who can cope with moderate gradients.
Level Three Walk
Up to a maximum of 4.2 miles. Paths will include challenges such as longer hills, short steep slopes, steps and stiles and require more effort. Aimed at:
-
those progressing from Level Two who want to improve their fitness level, and;
-
for the more experienced health walker who feels confident with more challenging walks.
Whilst anyone is welcome on the health walks, targeted groups include: older people, sedentary or overweight, those having completed Phase Four following cardiac rehabilitation, or anyone at risk from heart disease, strokes, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, high blood pressure, anxiety, stress, and depression.
Contact details
Brandon/Breckland
Health Walks
Tel: 01842 757351
Mobile: 07747 077159
Contact details
Central Norfolk
Health walks
Tel: 01603 423377
Mobile: 07899 927763
Related pages on this website
External links
Walking the way to Health Initiative (WHI)
Website dedicated to the WHI for anyone interested in walking to improve health.
If you want to get more active, then take a look at this website, which has lots of ideas and activities to make getting fit fun.
Contact us
| contact officer/team: | Physical Activity Coordinator |
|---|---|
| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | health@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| telephone: | 01508 533921 |
| minicom/textphone: | 01508 533622 |
| address: | South Norfolk Council South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
|
|
|
If you need information in large print, audio cassette, braille, translation (written or verbal) or signed interpretation, let us know when you contact us.
Last updated on: 02 July 2010