Search

Staying Active Through Winter Lockdown - The Power of Walking

England has now entered its third lockdown and unlike the first lockdown in late March of 2020 the colder weather may hinder some people’s ability to enjoy outdoor activities. So how can we still remain active and healthy throughout this new lockdown? Well, one great way is by walking more. We share our tips for staying active through walking below.
man walking dog in winter

The Health Benefits of Walking


Walking is perhaps one of the most underrated forms of exercise. As simple as it may be walking is highly beneficial to both our physical and mental health. According to the Mayo clinic regular and brisk walking can help to prevent and manage various health conditions, strengthen bones and muscles, improve balance, improve mood and help you to maintain a healthy weight. According to the NHS even as little as 10 minutes of brisk walking a day can help to improve your health.

Safer Walking in Winter


Walking is by far one of the most effective ways to remain active no matter your age or your size and thankfully is one of the few activities we can still continue to do under current restrictions. However, harsh weather conditions such as ice and minus temperatures can make this activity dangerous to those who are particularly vulnerable. If you are elderly and are concerned about walking outdoors in winter this article from the UMH (United Methodist Homes) share some really helpful tips for staying safe outdoors.
elderly couple walking

Set Achievable Goals


Staying active is also vital for beating those lockdown blues, particularly throughout winter when we aren’t exposed to as much sunlight. If you are able, give yourself a target such as two one hour walks each week and make sure they can fit into your weekly schedule.

Every Bit Helps


Little exercise is still better than no exercise so if you’re struggling to find time in the day, start by taking a five to ten minute stroll around your block. If you’re working from home, pop your winter coat on and do a couple of laps around your block on your lunch break. Try standing or walking around your house as you take phone calls too!
pouring hot chocolate with snow and boots

Staying Active as a Family

Family walks are a great way to get the whole family active but are also a fantastic bonding activity. As parents try to juggle working from home with family life and children adapt to more time in the house it may start to feel like the walls are creeping in on you. Getting everyone outdoors, even if it is just for a few hours a week can help both kids and parents to let off some much needed steam.
dad pushing child on bike

Keeping Children Engaged


As a parent it will be no secret you you that young children can quickly become bored if they aren’t being stimulated. This means that a family walk can quickly turn into a battle with a tantruming toddler. A great way to make a walk more interesting is to turn it into a scavenger hunt! This doesn’t have to be elaborate, a few picture-coded items on a piece of paper will do! This is also an activity you can try in your own garden if you don’t feel comfortable outside your home.

If you have an outdoor space that is safe for your children to play don’t let the cold weather stop you from letting them outdoors! Many parents subconsciously think that outdoor play is an activity reserved for summer or milder weather and don’t think to let their children outside as often in the winter. If your kids are becoming boisterous or hyper inside the house, this may be a sign that they need to burn off some energy. Wrap them up warm and let them outside! If you are working from home try and position your desk so that you have a clear view of a window and can supervise them as you work. You may be surprised as to just how easily they can entertain themselves with a little bit of imagination and some fresh air!
young child playing outdoors

Staying Active in Winter with a Disability


If you have limited mobility or are a wheelchair user this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the outdoors. While there are many physical health benefits to walking, simply being outdoors in nature also offers a host of mental health benefits and can help to improve wellbeing. This helpful page on ramblers.org shares various links to information sources which may be helpful for wheelchair users and physically disabled people including walks with wheelchairs a site dedicate to helping wheelchair users find local accessible routes.
wheelchair user and walkers on beach front