Walking? Benefits and any other comments.

A daily walk definitely improves my sense of well being and relaxes me. Also lowers the blood pressure. Those days I don’t walk (weather, illness, get too engrossed in something else) I feel a combination of restlessness and guilt. I aim to walk an hour a day and while the first few years of my retirement I planned walks using streets in a five mile radius from home and got to know my local area very well, I now usually walk in one of the local parks which I am lucky enough to have a few though I have my favourite. I also find that walking somewhere green is the most beneficial in terms of feeling good.

walking now is boring for me, too slow, so I cycle at a good pace including up hills everytime. I am in countryside within 5 minutes.

Different for me these days, I was an avid fell walker with my husband. Now widowed, I love my cycling. I can walk as much as I like, just to and fro the local shops or I can amble along a river but the appeal of walking solo is now very limited. I get much more actual exercise via cycling

I love walking, with a particular preference for hills/mountains. Until a recent(ish) injury I walked at least six miles a day, and could comfortably do 15 or so in a day.

Presently, I can manage between one and three flat miles without pain, and it’s frankly ruining my quality of life, and my physical and mental health. I can and do cycle. But that used to be as well, and now it’s mostly instead.

Oh, and I’ve gained a stone in weight, and much of it is round my middle, which isn’t ideal.

I walk for my health, my dog's needs 4x a day, and for time outside.

I walk briskly, the rate recommended for my heart, a speed to truly exercise my wild Parsons Terriers into sweet pets.

I only walk on level, for the dog's exercise. One knee is awaiting surgery, Parsons run frisky on rough ground and I need no tripping or falling.

I try to briskly walk for an hour a day, I listen to podcasts whilst walking which makes the time go quickly.

I wouldn’t really say I enjoy the brisk walk, I do it to keep healthy.

I love walking, early morning or later at night now it’s light longer. I don’t go at speed i amble along walking next to the river. So calming love listening to the birds take photos of the swans etc, like to go on different routes it’s amazing how many are doing the same since the nicer weather, it really is great for your mental health and well being!

I love walking, and having dog again has been fabulous. Lots of long walks in the woods, along dales and mountains tops, and I feel fitter than I have for a long time. Sometimes with a neighbour and her dog, and often with OH- but I don't like walking with a group. I want to hear the wind in the trees, the birds and to stop and admire a bird of prey, a field of wild flowers and a bank of wild pinks and orchids, etc.

About 1.30 mins every day. Love it.

I am sadly no longer able to bounce out of bed ready to go. I find it helps to 'spot' something a way off (lamp post, church etc) and walk as quickly as possible to it. These short bursts build up over time making you feel really quite productive!

Walking’s an easy and free way to keep fit and I nearly always enjoy it once I get out there. If I’m just walking into town a podcast or audio book makes the time fly. Out in the country or in a park I take in the sights and sounds - just being out in nature’s good for you in itself. I never amble though, it’s not in my nature. I go out in most weathers but when it’s really bad, or really good as in too hot, I’ll do a YouTube walking video at home. Get Fit With Rick or Lesley Sansome are my current favourites. I know some of the routines well now and sometimes just yomp my way through one while watching TV.

Oh I meant to add do go out early in these hot summer days.

I walk every day come rain or shine I have several routes I take from home and I do walk quite briskly or drive to a nearby lake and walk the woods there where I’ll take more of an amble. I aim to do 3+ miles a day some of it from my walk or some gardening. I’m not bothered if I miss the odd day but generally I feel good in mind and body afterwards, sometimes I meet familiar faces on the way and stop for a chat or if my daughter is free we’ll go for a longer walk and catchup.

I am in several different walking groups which normally walk between 4 and 10 miles. We will stop if we see something interesting it is not a challenge to see how far or how fast we can walk. It gets me out of the house, I get exercise, see the countryside and get to chat to lots of different people so lots of good things rolled into one.