Orange Walks is a combined effort by the Orange County Departments of Health and Tourism to promote the health benefits of walking as exercise and the beauty of some scenic walks in our county to make that activity even more enjoyable. Remember, a daily walk can help combat obesity, heart disease, diabetes and generally reduce stress and improve well-being.
Watch this space every month for new walk suggestions and health tips.
So lace up your sneakers, bring a water bottle, choose a walk and start at your own pace.
Walking is the most universal type of exercise. Almost anyone can do it, it can be done practically everywhere and any time of year, it’s cheap- all you need is a supportive pair of shoes, you can do it by yourself, with a partner or even with your dog and to top it off- it is great way to exercise! The President’s Council on Physical Fitness (PCOPF) calls walking the most popular form of exercise. Thirty minutes of physical activity (walking or other physical activity) on most days is recommended by the Surgeon General. A brisk 30-minute walk burns about 200 calories. Walking slowly for 30 minutes uses about 100 calories. You can easily add 30 minutes of exercise daily by making a few minor changes, such as parking farther from work or from a store, then walking the extra distance. If you’re pressed for time, try two 15-minute walks or three 10-minute walks. Even walking to the store, work, school or church counts. The more you walk, the better you’ll feel.
Another way to measure your efforts is in steps. Research shows most people take about 2,000 to 4,000 steps a day. Aim for 10,000 steps a day to really improve your health. It’s not as hard as it might sound. A step counter, or pedometer, is an inexpensive gadget that you clip on your waistband to count your steps.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a friend, dog, or hoof it alone. Just start walking!
Visit Orange County Tourism for more information on walking trails and parks in Orange County: www.orangetourism.org
Send comments or your favorite walk in Orange County to orangewalks@co.orange.ny.us
