Challenges can help with fitness and boost coffers of a good cause (From Ilkley Gazette)

Challenges can help with fitness and boost coffers of a good cause

10:00am Tuesday 12th March 2013 in Local news

People looking to set themselves a fitness challenge are being urged to sign up for an organised walking event and raise money for a Yorkshire heart charity.

Recent studies have shown that less than two in five people in England are meeting the current recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week and even fewer people aged 65 years and over are sufficiently active.

Walking is a free, simple, effective and safe way for people of all ages to improve activity levels and lead a healthier lifestyle.

It is a great way to improve fitness levels and can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, asthma and stroke, as well as several cancers. Walking also helps to keep healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, control weight and enhance your overall well-being.

Walking at moderate intensity is a very effective way to improve heart-health; that means walking at an intensity that increases the heart rate and makes you feel slightly breathless and several degrees warmer.

For those looking for something more vigorous, sign up for an organised walking event such as Heart Research UK's Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, Ben Nevis Climb or Walk For All to set yourself a real fitness challenge.

For more information and advice about healthy living or to find out more about our events contact Heart Research on (0113) 234 7474 or e-mail lifestyle@heartresearch.org.uk.