News Release
Ramblers’ Association announces new research into health effects of walking
The Ramblers’ Association (RA) is using Get Walking Day on 30 May to announce the results of specially-commissioned research into the effects of walking on the human body.
Through Get Walking Day, the RA seeks to encourage greater numbers of people to build walking into their everyday lives and by doing so, reap positive health benefits.
The scientific study, The effects of a one-hour brisk walk on appetite and energy intake examined the effect of walking for one hour on hunger perceptions and subsequent food intake. The main findings of the study were that subjects did not increase their food intake in the hours following a one-hour walk despite walking 4.4 miles and expending an average of 480 kcal. These findings support the role of walking as a means of weight control and add weight to a growing body of research that underlines the multiple health benefits of walking.
Helping to launch Get Walking Day is Floella Benjamin OBE, a keen walker and the newly appointed President of the Ramblers’ Association. Speaking about her support of Get Walking Day, Floella said: “Walking is a great tonic, it keeps me fit in mind and body and really puts me in a positive mood. The more you do, the better you'll feel, even walking for half an hour five times a week makes a real difference.”
Regular walking delivers many other health benefits. It has been shown to relieve stress, aid restful sleep, strengthen muscles and joints, aid better breathing, improve bone density and promote better balance and posture.
Best of all, walking is free and accessible to people of all ages. It is a near perfect form of exercise that can be enjoyed at any time.
Ramblers Scotland’s Promoting Walking Officer, Kathryn Wortley adds: “The recommended 30 minutes of walking per day can even be built up in bouts of 10 or 15 minutes throughout the day, so even on the busiest of days, everyone can enjoy the health benefits of walking”.
To help people build more walking into their lives and reap the health benefits that regular walking gives, the Ramblers’ Association has produced a free booklet (pdf 1.06MB) filled with practical hints and tips on getting the best from walking.
