When I ask people how they stay active, almost everyone includes the same answer: walking. It is one of the most studied forms of physical activity and counts some big names as its cheerleader: Harvard Medical School, The Heart and Stroke Foundation and The Arthritis Foundation, just to name a few.
The benefits of walking are seemingly endless. It’s low impact enough to be gentle on arthritic joints, yet with enough resistance to help people with osteoarthritis maintain their bone density. It’s free and accessible, and requires little more than a decent pair of shoes. It works your heart, your lungs and your muscles. It can be a great solo adventure or an excuse to hang out with your friends. Here’s a few more benefits you may not know:
Improved brain function – a 2017 study found the impact of the foot hitting the ground while walking produced pressure waves throughout your circulatory system, significantly increasing blood to your brain. They even found that your heart rate and stride rate were synced by your body to help improve blood flow to your brain!
Improved mood – A large meta-analysis published in 2016 showed walking to be a treatment option (either by itself or as an adjunct to other treatment options) to those who suffer from depression. The American Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion’s 2018 Report on Physical Activity Guidelines also list walking as a treatment option for anxiety.
Improved memory and cognitive function – given the last two bullets, this makes sense! It’s even further supported by a 2015 study on older adults in Japan. Better memory, improved focus and concentration – what’s not to love?
Have we convinced you to add walking into your weekly routine? Here’s a list of our favourite walks around South Delta:
Ladner Spirit Trail - Technically located in the South Arm Marshes Wildlife Management Area, this trail is a fan favourite among my kids. Filled with carvings and painted rocks, the Spirit Trail access can be found off Ferry road close to Admiral Road.
Swenson Walk at Ladner Harbour Park – Access to this park is from River Road, with a bridge going over the slough just west of Ferry Road. Tall trees with views of the water make it a great escape without having to go far.
Deas Island Regional Park – Another tall tree and water view combination makes this park a lovely destination. Find the access to Deas Island off River Road a few minutes north of the Tunnel.
Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary – If you’re into feeding black birds and chickadees from your hands, this is the place for you. Located at the far end of Westham Island, the best part of this walk is the berries and farm fresh produce you can get on your way home!
Fred Gingell Park – Less of a walk and more of a grind, this “walk” involves a lot of stairs. The view on the way down is stunning and there’s a counter for you at the top (assuming you plan on subjecting yourself to it multiple times….) Find this park on English Bluff Road at around 3rd Avenue.
Brunswick Point – Wander on the dike while you take in the birds and the ferries on this lovely walk. Its two main points of access are Wellington Point Park and at 30B Street and River Road.
Boundary Bay Regional Park at Centennial Beach – Located at the north end of Centennial Beach, this lovely walk has great views of the beach with Mt. Baker in the distance.
Lily Point Marine Park – Located in Point Roberts, this lovely walk has a bit of everything – panoramic views, beaches, a bit of hiking and some birdwatching. Head straight down Tyee Road from the border to the end, turning left onto APA Road.
What are your favourites? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
