Manchester MP discovers secret steps to health and happiness
One group in Manchester is handing out the secret to health and happiness for FREE. Shhh: it’s called walking.
On Friday (26 February) Paul Goggins MP will be joining the “Get Walking Keep Walking” team for a scenic stroll around Wythenshawe to discover these secret steps to health and happiness and encourage even more people, no matter their age, background, ability or fitness level, to Get Walking and Keep Walking.
With over 90,000 obese adults in Manchester - a figure predicted to rise to 137,000 by 2015[i] - we all need to get moving. But, for many people the prospect of starting exercising is a daunting task. That’s where the Ramblers BIG lottery funded “Get Walking Keep Walking” team comes in. The free walking programme helps people to take those first steps out of the front door. By offering friendly group support and interesting routes around your local area, they show how anyone can build walking into part of their regular routine and get healthier and happier as a result.
The 12 week Get Walking programmes are completely FREE and open to EVERYONE. The team is inviting people to ‘drop into’ a programme on Friday 26 February at 1pm, Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre, and get all the guidance and support needed to Get Walking and Keep Walking.
Alan Moffat, from Moston, Manchester, stumbled upon the secret and explains how Get Walking Keep Walking changed his life:
“Before joining the group, I had virtually stopped walking. I used to walk a lot in the peak district but due to a Kidney transplant and subsequent general health problems after I felt I wasn’t fit enough and lacked motivation to get started.
“Due to my ill health I was sat around in the house a lot which makes you depressed. Now I am more motivated to go out and be active! I am generally really busy now as I am involved with Get Walking and the Manchester and Salford Ramblers.”
You may be surprised to learn that walking for just 30min, 5 times a week, can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, strengthen bones and even elevate your mood! Walking can help you stay healthy and live longer, control your weight, keep happy, enjoy time with friends and family, learn more about your local area and even help to look after the environment.
Paul Goggins MP comments: “I am pleased to be joining the ‘Get Walking Keep Walking’ team for a walk around Wythenshawe this Friday. Taking a regular walk is something that so many people, regardless of age, can do to stay fit and healthy. Whether you are strolling to the shops or out for a ramble in the countryside, walking is also a good social activity which keeps you in touch with the wider world.”
Get Walking Keep Walking runs groups across Manchester, for more information about your nearest group check out: www.getwalking.org.uk or contact the Manchester Get Walking Keep Walking office on 0161 232 3106/3101
Published by: Travel Actively on Monday March 01 2010
