WALK TO BE HEALTHY, WALK TO BE HAPPY
Walk, stroll, amble or trek your way to a better, healthier you in 2018 – here’s a few hints and tips to get you started! Photography: Kirsten Platt
Walking is the perfect activity for all ages and abilities and you can do it almost anywhere at any time. You can easily incorporate it into your daily life and once you’ve bought the essentials, it’s free – no endless monthly gym fees!
Award-winning Whalley Warm & Dry and their wonderful customers have compiled a beginner’s guide to help you on your way:
1. To be a happy walker you need happy feet! If you don’t choose walking footwear correctly you end up with sore toes and blisters plus you’re out of pocket – ouch! It pays in comfort, money and time to be properly fitted for walking boots or shoes. Our award-winning Specialist Boot Fitting service helps to remove the guesswork and ensures you get the right size, width, volume and shape for your feet.
2. A quality waterproof is an essential in this country, invest in the best you can afford – you won’t regret it! Páramo waterproofs are a favourite and they beat other brands for water resistance, breathability, comfort, durability, fit and warmth when tested by Which? magazine.
3. Follow the Scout motto of ‘be prepared’ to ensure you stay safe whilst exploring. Plan your route before you set off, check the forecast and make sure you bring a map, compass and a fully charged phone. If you’re map reading skills are rusty, don’t be deterred, there’s a host of resources online, including videos by Ordnance Survey.
4. Make sure you take more water than you think you need and if you’re going on a long walk, take snacks.
5. Join a walking group such as The Ramblers or Walking for Health. The camaraderie and support from other walking group members can help you achieve your fitness goals and they are a great way to discover new walking routes.
6. Don’t underestimate the importance of socks. Just one good quality pair of technical walking socks will help wick the moisture away and provide good cushioning.
7. Whilst you might be raring to go, it pays to take a moment to properly lace your footwear. Lacing will help to ensure the foot is secure and your toes don’t bash into the front.
8. Look after your gear and it will look after you. Taking the time to regularly clean and proof your gear will ensure it stays comfortable, performs to its best and lasts a long time.
9. If the thought of going for a long walk fills you with dread, start small. Walking for even a few minutes a day is better than nothing and it’s a great way to build up fitness levels.
10. Enjoy yourself! Soak up the views, inhale the fresh air and feel good about getting healthy! As Charles Dickens once said: “Walk to be healthy, walk to be happy”.
For the full version of the guide plus bonus hints and tips go to www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/blog
Appointments are necessary for the specialist boot fitting service. To make an appointment please call 01254 822220 or email: info@whalleywarmanddry.co.uk
Whalley Warm & Dry
King Street, Whalley BB7 9SN
01254 822220
info@whalleyoutdoor.co.uk
www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk
Opening hours
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 1pm-5pm
Monday: Closed
