Walking is good for your , so join our groups and get healthy!

The Health Walks' project was set up by a local GP in the village of Sonning Common in Oxfordshire. The aim of the project was to improve people's fitness, both in body and mind, by encouraging them to use their local countryside for walking. It has now grown into a very successful scheme that has been adopted nationwide.

Walking increases your muscle tone, increases the efficiency of your heart and lungs, lowers blood pressure and resting heart rate, helps reduce cholesterol, boosts metabolism, improves the health of bones, eases stress, raises energy levels and improves sleep, which combined can also help you reduce body fat and lose weight. It also helps improve self-esteem and enhances mental well-being, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. It improves flexibility and co-ordination, reducing the risk of falls.

Regular walking can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, strokes, high blood pressure, cancer, osteoporosis, and osteoarthiritis - to name but a few. It can help you deal with anxiety and stress, and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Most of the work is done by the muscles of the lower body, and it's a weight-bearing activity, so it can help improve bone density. At the same time, it's low impact, so it won't strain your joints. The beauty of walking is that it can be fitted into your daily routine, you don't need special equipment, it's safe, and it's a great way to meet like-minded people in your neighbouhood, and offers the chance to socialise.

So, do join our Daily Walks today - new walkers find out how it all works here, then simply browse our timetable for the right walk for you! Oh, and by the way, it's all FREE!