Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, is urging the public to ‘Try20’ for National Walking Month this May.

The campaign, which aims to get people to add twenty minutes of walking to their daily routine, will run throughout May, encouraging people to swap transport for walking and observe the big differences small steps can make.

Could you cut down on car journeys for National Walking Month?

In line with recommendations that adults do a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity a week, Living Streets advises that walking for twenty minutes a day can increase your fitness levels, improve health and reduce stress and anxiety and greatly contribute to this target.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the many benefits of walking, focussing on getting middle aged people walking more, as research shows that this is the age range among whom the decline in walking is most severe. The result is poorer health, reduced life expectancy and additional strain placed on an already overstretched NHS.

Living Streets recommends walking as a free, easy and fun way to improve health. From a lower risk of contracting heart disease, cancers including colon and breast cancer, depression and type 2 diabetes, to aiding weight loss, walking can also help reduce feelings of stress and provides a great excuse for catching up with friends.

Living Streets’ Chief Executive, Joe Irvin commented:

“Try20 provides a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself this May.”

“You don’t have to go out of your way to Try20 – try skipping a stop on public transport or park your car that bit further out and walk to work. You could walk your children to school or go on foot to local shops. Even a lunchtime walk in the fresh air can do you the world of good. Make a small change and experience a big difference, both physically and mentally.”

“We are urging everyone to give it a go during May. Not only is walking good for you, it’s better for our planet, your local economy and bank balances. You’ll be amazed at how even a short walk can make a big difference to the way you feel.”

To find out more visit www.livingstreets.org.uk/national-walking-month