Want to know the secret of a happy and healthy life?

Believe it or not we were designed to walk.  Putting one foot in front of the other is what we should be doing more of.  It’s good for you. It’s a gentle, low-impact form of exercise that’s suitable for all ages and abilities.

Walking is proven to strengthen your heart;  lower disease risk; keep weight down; help prevent dementia and osteoporosis; tones you; boosts vitamin D ; gives energy and makes you happy.

Various studies reveal that regular, brisk walking can be as effective as antidepressants in cases of mild to moderate depression. Being active releases feel-good endorphins into the bloodstream, reducing stress and anxiety.  A survey by the charity Mind found 83 per cent of people with mental health issues look to exercise to help lift their mood.  Walking is becoming more popular as it is readily accessible and you don’t need loads of expensive gear.

Walking is also a very sociable activity – joining a walking group and meeting friends to walk and chat is a great way to banish feelings of isolation and loneliness whilst enjoying the countryside and the wildlife. It’s safer to walk in groups, especially for ladies.

There are many active walking groups in Hampshire including Ramblers (http://www.basingstokeramblers.org.uk/ ) and Basingstoke Health Walks (http://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/healthwalks ).  You can find most of them on line by using a search engine. My group – Basingstoke Walking Group offers a full regular programme of walks to suit all tastes and abilities usually with a pub, restaurant or tea room at the end.  I provide short midweek and evening walks, 5 to 7 miles or longer and walking weekends.  On Bank Holidays I add treasure hunts to the programme. Fun for all the family.  So come on get walking. Join me in the local countryside sometime soon.

For more information and to join the group go to: http://www.meetup.com/The-Walking-Group/  or ring 07565 950087. You can also find us on Face book.

I also run Basingstoke Meetup Group: http://www.meetup.com/Basingstoke-Meetup/ Anne Murrill – Basingstoke Walking Group?