Forget the car keys, National Walking Month is here!
An annual reminder of the benefits of walking and spending time outdoors. It’s the perfect excuse to dust off your boots and rediscover the joy – and surprising benefits of walking. While statistics from the 2021 ONS Census show that driving reigns supreme as the most common commute option (45.1% in England!), walking remains a fantastic alternative, enjoyed by 7.6% of working people in England and 7.1% in Wales.
National Walking Month is about more than just following the crowd. It’s a chance to incorporate some much-needed movement into your daily routine and a chance to improve your health. Walking can be one of the easiest ways to get active, it’s free and offers a range of benefits.
Did you know a brisk 10-minute daily walk is a powerful weapon against chronic illness?
According to the NHS, it can significantly reduce your risk of major health threats like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers. Plus, studies show it can lower your risk of premature death by up to 30%.
Research published by BBC Good Food highlights that regular walking has been proven to:
- Reduce the risk of heart disease: Walking strengthens your heart, lowers blood pressure, and improves circulation.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Burning calories through walking helps you manage your weight and reduces the risk of obesity.
- Boost your mood and energy levels: Physical activity releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that combat stress, anxiety, and depression, leaving you feeling more energized and positive.
- Strengthen your bones and muscles: Walking helps maintain bone density and muscle mass, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and injuries.
- Improve sleep quality: A good walk can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
National Walking Month provides a perfect opportunity to explore the benefits of walking. As exemplified by our employee, Tim, who faithfully walks to work each day helping to maintain his health but also turning his walk into rewards with his Vitality life insurance.
Tim’s Walk Journey
Tim walks to and from work every day. It’s a short commute, about 1.5 miles each way, and conveniently downhill on the way to the office, but don’t be fooled! That seemingly easy morning stroll transforms into a bit of a calf-burner on the return journey. It’s mostly uphill, and after a long day, it can feel like a challenge. Yet, despite the slight uphill battle, Tim wouldn’t trade his walking routine for anything.
The benefits don’t stop there. Tim’s daily walks serve as a valuable transition between work and home. That uphill climb gives him time to clear his head, process the day’s events, and leave work behind before he even reaches his doorstep. It’s a mental switch-off that allows him to be more present and enjoy his personal life when he gets home.
Double the Reward: Walking and Life Insurance
Now, let’s talk about the added bonus Tim gets for his walking efforts. Here’s where his life insurance plan from Vitality comes in. As many of people know, having life insurance in place is crucial. It provides financial security for your loved ones in case of an unfortunate event. It offers peace of mind knowing that your mortgage or other financial obligations would be taken care of.
Did you know that some life insurance plans, can actually reward you for living a healthy lifestyle?
This is where the magic happens – and where Tim’s daily walks really start to pay off. Tim’s Vitality life insurance plan awards points for incorporating healthy habits, such as walking, into his daily routine. These points translate into incredible benefits, turning his daily commute into a path towards rewards.
Tim enjoys a variety of exciting benefits earned through his Vitality life plan, simply by walking to and from work. These include:
- Free coffee every week: A small reward that makes a big difference. Who doesn’t love a free cup of coffee to jumpstart the day or unwind after work? His weekly Café Nero pick-me-up is a delightful perk thanks to his daily walks.
- Free movie tickets and movie downloads: Catching the latest blockbuster or revisiting a classic film becomes even more enjoyable when it’s free! Tim’s Vitality plan rewards him with a free cinema ticket every month with Odeon or Vue and a voucher for Rakuten, allowing him to download a movie before it hits mainstream platforms.
- Discounts on fitness gear and gym memberships: Staying active is even more affordable with the discounts. It offers discounts on running shoes, bikes, fitness trackers, and even gym memberships. It’s a fantastic way to further enhance your health and fitness journey.
- Travel and spa discounts: Everyone loves a well-deserved getaway. Vitality points can unlock amazing discounts on spa stays with Champneys and hotel getaways. It’s the perfect way to unwind and recharge after a busy period.
Please note: Terms and conditions applied, click here for complete details.
Photo: Tim holding his cup of coffee
Join the movement!
National Walking Month is the perfect time to start reaping the benefits of walking, both for your physical and mental health. Take this opportunity to lace up your boots and explore your neighbourhood. Find a walking buddy, join a walking group, or simply enjoy a solo stroll. Every step counts towards a healthier you, and with a life insurance plan, those steps can also lead to some fantastic rewards.
Don’t wait – talk to us today and explore our insurance plans. It’s a win-win situation: you get the peace of mind of life insurance protection, and you get rewarded for living a healthy lifestyle. Walk your way to a healthier, happier you, and start enjoying the perks that come with it!
