Ramblers encourage people to make walking their New Year’s resolution

People in North West encouraged to make walking their New Year’s resolution

Lots of people will be making New Year’s resolutions to improve their health and fitness. The Ramblers is encouraging people  to make a commitment that they can keep and also enjoy: to get walking in 2014.

Many people sign up to expensive gym memberships at this time of year in an attempt to get active but The Ramblers suggest walking as a cheaper, more enjoyable way to get fit. Being outside with friends and exploring the North West can turn the chore of exercise into a fun day out.

The Ramblers is giving people a helping hand to start walking by running group walks in the area, as well as providing plenty of routes that people can download and walk independently.

Simon Barnett, director of walking development at the Ramblers, said: “Most of us will have over indulged during the festive period and many of us will make resolutions to get more active in the new year, but our good intentions often fall by the wayside.

“Stepping out for a walk is a cheap and fun way to achieve the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity a week. You can enjoy all the beautiful scenery Britain has to offer and by chatting whilst you walk, you soon forget that you’re doing exercise.

“Walking is especially great if you’re new to exercise, as it’s gentle and can be built up slowly.

“So forget about the expensive gym memberships and make a resolution you can stick to in 2014: get walking.”

The Ramblers top tips for starting walking are as follows:

• Join a group walk in the North West. If you’re unsure about heading out on your own joining a group is a great way to get started. The Ramblers has hundreds of walks taking place across the country each week which you can try out. Or join a short health walk from Walking for Health – run by Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support – these walks are ideal for those new to walking.
• If you’d prefer to head out in your own time with friends and family, then the Ramblers has hundreds of free routes on our Ramblers Routes that you can download – and hundreds more available if you become a member.
• As your fitness improves, challenge yourself to longer walks.
• Stay motivated by setting yourself achievable goals.
• Try and incorporate walking into your day to day life. That way walking becomes a natural activity you do all the time.