Walking reduces festive heart harm
[22 December 2004]
It’s official! Walking can lessen the effects of high fat
intake on the body. Research carried out by Glasgow University
has found that a long walk before eating a calorie laden
Christmas feast can reduce the damage done by consuming too much
fat. But if the stress of creating food for the family on
Christmas morning makes a 90 minute walk impossible you can make
up for it on Boxing Day by joining the Ramblers’ Association’s
Cotswold Festival of Winter Walks (26 December – 3 January
2005).
The Cotswold Outdoor Festival of Winter Walks is Britain’s
largest walking festival, with 450 plus free walks across the
country, attended by upwards of 15,000 people annually. It is an
opportunity to get out and explore beautiful countryside on
walks of different lengths, terrain and themes, catering for all
abilities. With over 77% of us walking for recreation at least
once a month it has never been more fashionable wrap up warm and
head for the hills
The health benefits of walking are renowned. Medical research
proves that regular walking can halve the chance of coronary
heart disease; reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels; it
can help reduce weight and maintain weight loss; increase bone
density and help fight osteoporosis as well as enhancing mental
well being.
Winter is a favourite time for the British to don walking boots
judging by the vast numbers who take part in the festival every
year. The appeal of clear, crisp winter air, energy boosting
walks and the chance to socialise with friends and family over
the festive period has lured thousands away from the Christmas
pudding and into the outdoors since the festival began sixteen
years ago.
Rachael Bryett, organiser of the Festival said: “Christmas
morning is a hectic time in most households. We heartily
encourage people to act on this advice and fit in a 90 minute
walk before dinner but if it proves difficult we have a vast
array of free walks happening all over Great Britain during the
festive period to help keep everyone fit an healthy.”