Want to Lose Weight & Have Fun? - Go Rambling!
Walking is a Sure Way to get Slimmer, Get Healthier & Make Friends
Sep 24, 2009
Obesity is a huge problem in the developed world and with it comes a host of health problems such as heart disease, arthritic joints, diabetes and digestive problems. Taking exercise is one way to combat this problem and increasingly the medical fraternity are recognizing the benefits of walking in assisting with weight control and weight loss.
Indeed many hospitals in the United Kingdom organize Health Walks as part of the treatment for patients. Other benefits of walking mentioned on the BUPA UK web site include improved sleep, avoiding osteoporosis and stress reduction.
For those who want to take control of their weight and improve their fitness levels now, rather than waiting until diseases manifest in the body, the hiking (aka rambling) associations and clubs in the UK provide a great health asset. In the US the American Volksport Association and the American Hiking Club both have a nationwide mission to make walking available everywhere. City dwellers will find that there is a club somewhere in their neighborhood.
Why is Walking a Great Way to Lose Weight?
Walking is something that most able bodied people can do, and because of this it is an exercise form that is widely accessible. The British Heart Foundation recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day and walking is one way of achieving this target.
Walking gets one out into the fresh air and away from the polluted city streets. Extensive pathways criss-cross the British countryside giving the public access to some of the most beautiful places in the country completely free of charge.
Walking is one of the cheapest forms of exercise and one can meet a wide cross section of the population and make some good friends at the same time. Walking in a group is a far friendlier activity than tramping on the treadmill at the gym.
What Equipment is Needed for Walking
Little equipment is needed - a pair of lightweight walking boots is recommended for summer walking, with waterproof boots recommended for the winter. It's best to use two pairs of socks under the boots to prevent rubbing and blisters. Waterproof over trousers can be carried in a ruck sack for when the rain clouds open and it is best to wear layers - soft fleeces are great - with a lightweight waterproof jacket on top.
A good ruck sack should be large enough to take a packed lunch and adequate bottled water in addition to the folded waterproofs. Many people also pack a square of heavy duty plastic to sit on whilst lunching. A small flask for a hot drink can be very welcome on a cold day.
Walking sticks - the modern ones look rather like ski poles - are a good way of ensuring stability while walking over uneven terrain in order to prevent injury. A compass or a GPS system can also be very useful and some will measure the distance covered during a walk.
Rambling in the United Kingdom
The Rambling Association is one of the oldest walking organizations in Britain with 500 branches offering walks for various ages and levels of fitness, from children to Pensioners. It is highly organized into regional branches, each of which publishes an extensive programme of walks. During the winter months foreign walking holidays are offered in addition to the UK walks.
The Rambling Association offers people a free walk to try it out first. After that they ask people to become members. This ensures that everybody is adequately insured in case of mishap. A year's single membership is £27 reduced to £15 for those who pay by direct debit. The joint membership fees are £36 and £20 by DD.
The Rambling Association is a charity that promotes walking in Great Britain for its 135,000 members. It works very hard to keep pathways clear and open for public use and is instrumental in encouraging local councils to improve amenities. For example, many elderly people cannot get over stiles and so they have publicized the need for these to be replaced by gates.
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