Living as I do, in such a picturesque
area, it would be a crime not
to be out appreciating the beautiful
countryside and the stunning
coastal views.
'Power Walking' is an ideal
way to keep fit - It tones the
body, increases cardiovascular
fitness and is one of the best
forms of exercise that I know
of for burning excess fat!
It's also something that can
be enjoyed by people of all
ages. It can be started gently
and then the pace and distance
increased as you become fitter.
The cliff tops and woodland
areas offer a wide variety of
gradients - ranging from gentle
slopes to challenging hills,
with steps down to pebble beaches
- you name it, it's got it!
- And with all that fresh air
and sunshine (hopefully!),
it really does make you feel
full of vitality and glad to
be alive!
What is 'Power Walking'?
'Power
Walking' is walking at a very
rapid pace, to maintain and
improve cardiovascular health.
It also tones and strengthens
the body. Thousands of doctors
recommend it. Hundreds of
studies extol its benefits.
It is not running or jogging,
which can be pretty hard on
a person's body. 'Power Walking'
is a lot easier on your joints
since you hit the ground with
less than half the force you
do when you run or jog, which
means you are far less likely
to end up sore or injured.
It isn't strolling either,
(which burns only relatively
few calories), and it certainly
isn't that funny-looking 'race
walking' style that we see
in the Olympics.
'Power Walking' is
however, a great calorie burner!
- According to the experts,
If a person walks between
4-5 miles an hour, they will
burn roughly the same amount
of calories as a runner -
and if a person walks for
5 miles or more at this pace,
they will actualy start to
burn more than a runner!
You don't need any special
equipment either - just sensible
clothes, a good pair of trainers
or walking boots, a bottle
of water and you're away!
The
gallery below gives you an idea
of the natural beauty I encounter
on my 'Power Walks'.
These photos
were taken recently (May 2005),
as I took a walk on the cliff
tops around Sidmouth.
Click on Images
to enlarge
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That hill is
where we are headed
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A little 'paws'
in the woods
with my pal 'Indi'
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Beautiful bluebells
and gorse
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Fabulous view
of 'Jacobs Ladder'
beach |
Salcombe Hill overlooks
the town of Sidmouth
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Steps (360+)
down to Weston Beach
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