Top tips
Photo: Paul Strong
Get into the walking frame of mind, by using the stairs instead of the lifts, or by walking up escalators.
Every bit counts – even leisurely strolls around the garden!
Think of a walk as your time – the opportunity to get away from it all and enjoy some valuable clear-headed thinking time.
Fight dehydration by drinking a glass of water 10 minutes before you walk and a couple of glasses after you stop.
If you have kids, how about walking them to school? They probably need the exercise too!
Do you pass the ‘talk test’? You should always be able to hold a conversation when you’re walking. If you’re too puffed to talk, you’re probably going too fast.
As you walk faster you tend to use your arms in a different way. Think of them as a pendulum – long and straight arms slow you down but short and bent arms speed you up.
Use the weekends to vary the terrain. Soft surfaces like grass, mud and sand use more energy. And walking up hills burns at least a third more calories.
Many people find it more enjoyable to walk with other people. Have you ever thought about joining the Ramblers and coming on one of our walks?
You can search for led walks all over England, Wales and Scotland online using the Ramblers Group Walks Finder.
If you want to walk independently, see Walking in your country or region to find out about walking opportunities in your area or somewhere you’re travelling to.
Take30...keep it up!
Pages in Take30
See also
First steps: more help and advice to get you started walking.
Take30 is a Ramblers promoting walking project. Read more about promoting walking work in Great Britain.
