At WALX Coast and Country, walking is at the heart of what we do. But you might have noticed that our programme also includes fitness sessions such as Warriors, Hillbillies and Friday Fitties.

So, if walking is so good for us, why do we need anything else?

The health benefits of walking

Regular walking is a fantastic way to look after your health. It can help to improve cardiovascular fitness, build stamina, support healthy weight management, strengthen the muscles we use for walking and improve our mental wellbeing.

Walking regularly also helps us maintain the fitness we need to enjoy everyday life.

Whether that means going on holiday, playing with the grandchildren, enjoying a day out, gardening or simply being able to walk somewhere without worrying about whether you will manage it, keeping active makes a difference.

But as we get older, there are other areas of fitness that become increasingly important.

Why strength matters as we age

We naturally lose muscle mass and strength as we get older, which is why including some form of strength exercise in our routine is so important.

And strength isn’t just about lifting heavy weights or building big muscles.

Think about the things you do every day.

Can you carry your shopping? Get up easily from a chair? Climb the stairs? Lift something down from a cupboard? Carry a suitcase? Get up from the floor?

These everyday activities all require strength.

Strength exercises also help support our bones, which becomes particularly important as we age.

Don’t forget about balance

Balance is another area we sometimes take for granted until we begin to struggle with it.

Good balance can help reduce our risk of falling, but it also helps us perform ordinary activities confidently.

Something as simple as putting on trousers, socks or shoes while standing requires balance. Walking over uneven ground, stepping off a kerb and moving around obstacles all rely on our ability to control our bodies.

Balance can be worked on and improved, which is why we include balance exercises in many of our WALX Coast and Country sessions.

You don’t have to go to a gym

This is one of the reasons we offer more than walking.

Our outdoor fitness sessions give you an opportunity to work on strength, balance, coordination, cardiovascular fitness and mobility in a friendly and supportive environment.

There are no rows of intimidating gym equipment and no expectation that everyone should be able to do the same thing.

Exercises can be adapted and alternatives are offered, allowing you to work at a level that is appropriate for you.

Most importantly, we have fun while we’re doing it.

Our Warriors, Hillbillies and Friday Fitties sessions have developed their own communities of regulars who enjoy exercising together and feel the benefits of adding something different to their weekly activity.

Walking plus strength and balance

So, is walking enough?

Walking is a fantastic foundation for an active lifestyle and something I would encourage almost everyone to do regularly. But combining your walking with activities that challenge your strength, balance, mobility and cardiovascular fitness can help you build a more rounded level of fitness.

The goal isn’t about becoming the fittest person in the group.

It’s about keeping your body capable of doing the things you want it to do, now and in the years ahead.

At WALX Coast and Country, we want to help people keep moving, stay strong, maintain their independence and, most importantly, continue enjoying life.

If you already walk with us, why not treat yourself to one of our fitness sessions and see how you get on?

And if you’re new to WALX Coast and Country, don’t worry about whether you’ll be able to keep up. Get in touch with Denise and we can help you find the right place to start.

Walking is brilliant.

But being strong enough, fit enough and confident enough to keep doing the things you love? That’s what we’re really working towards.