Keeping Norfolk walking with Pilates
May is National Walking Month (#NationalWalkingMonth). The positive news story here is that we are hearing the message, loud and clear. Nationwide more of us are walking regularly than were in 2013. In the Broadland area of Norfolk the number of us walking regularly (adults walking at least five times a week) has increased by up to 10% over these years, compared to a national average of just 3.4%.
We all know that walking has many more benefits than simply getting you where you’re going. Regular walking has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, stroke and some cancers. But many people find walking is simply not enjoyable because of aches and pains. If this is the case for you, then it could be time to start work on strengthening your body and increasing your mobility to help you move better and get the enjoyment of walking back.
This is where Pilates comes in. Pilates is a form of exercise that develops strength, mobility, flexibility, coordination and balance. Pilates is practiced by athletes and sportsmen to hone their skills and abilities for better results. But it is also an ideal exercise for everyday life, helping with rehabilitation, general health and fitness.
At my classes in Norwich, Martham, Stalham, Acle, Sprowston, Hickling and more, I see many people, either at regular classes or for one-to-one sessions, who are looking to regain strength in their body and keep themselves mobile as they head into later years.
Whilst I ensure my classes are varied from week to week, there’s always a high proportion of exercises that specifically strengthen knees and hips, ideal for those who are looking to improve their ability to walk or take up more regular exercise – be it walking to the shops, for taking the dog out or just going up and down stairs. Improving the mobility around the hips and knees takes pressure off the spine. There are also more targeted exercises for feet and toes that many of my class attendees enjoy. By focusing on specific muscles and areas of the body you get a real feeling of achievement.
After a single class I hope that people will have enjoyed what they’ve experienced, after three classes they should be starting to feel their capabilities improve and after ten classes they will be starting to feel the real benefits.
My goal is to help Norfolk continue the positive trajectory of getting even more adults walking regularly over the next few years, before the next government statistics are released. Get in touch with met at Core Pilates Norfolk (www.corepilatesnorfolk.co.uk) to find a class to suit you. And if you can walk to it…then all the better!