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WHI is an initiative of the British Heart Foundation and Natural England. It benefits from extra funding from the Big Lottery Fund. WHI has helped to create over 400 local health walk schemes and has trained over 30,000 volunteer walk leaders.

Since 2000, it is estimated that they've encouraged over a million people to walk more.

Walking the way to Health aims to encourage people to do regular short walks in their communities.

The short definition of a health walk is: "a purposeful, brisk walk undertaken on a regular basis" and it can include any walk which is specifically designed and carried out for the purpose of improving an individual's health.

With regard to cardiovascular health, the walk should be purposeful and 'brisk' (in other words more than just a stroll). Moreover it is a structured or semi-structured activity which is carried out on a regular basis as part of an individual's exercise regime.

An early morning walk

Walking (without the 'health' bit) is a healthy activity in so far as any energy expenditure has health benefits, regardless of intensity.

In addition, organised walks (brisk or not) can have a health impact on individuals by providing an opportunity to socialise (good social networks enhance health) and be a distraction from everyday stresses (stress contributes to poor health).

It is the relevant intensity of the walk for the individual and the regularity of participation that can really have an impact on heart health.

People decide to start walking for a whole mixture of reasons...

• For health
• Weight control
• Reduce stress
• Calm your mind
• Socialise

Why don鈥檛 you find out about groups around your area with which you can get involved? Or even better start your own?

To find out more about your walk your way to health fill out a form below and we can send you some information out.