Barrow Borough Sports Council

In the Barrow-in-Furness District: FEET FIRST IN FURNESS

What Is It All About?

The feet first project aims to encourage those who are inactive to take their first steps n becoming more active. It aims to increase participation and promote the benefits of walking in the Furness area to improve physical, social and emotional well-being.

The walks that are available are group led by trained volunteer walk leaders. If you would like to become a walk leader please go to the ‘training’ link on the left hand side of this page.

Why Walking?

• Walking is free and fun
• For our walks you do not need special clothing or footwear
• Group walks give you the chance to make new friends
• Regular walking can improve confidence, energy, weight control, stamina and life expectancy
• Walking can reduce the risk of such things as coronary heart disease, strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure, stress and anxiety, osteoporosis and arthritis
  

What Is A Health Walk?

A health walk is any type of walking that makes you breathe a little faster, makes you feel warmer and makes your heart beat slightly faster. Gentle strolling is a good start for people not used to exercise.

Current recommendations are for 30 minutes moderate exercise 5 times per week. Walking fits in to this. Ideally this should be one continuous session but initially could be divided into 3 periods of 10 minutes or 2 periods of 15 minutes.

Start small and build up. Come to our walks and let us assist you to reach these targets.

Walking Advice

• Wear sensible shoes
• Drink a glass of water before and after your walk or bring a drink with you
• If you have a history of heart trouble or other significant medical illness, talk to your doctor before you start
• Stop walking if you experience unusual symptoms, such as chest pain, dizziness or breathlessness and consult your doctor
• Why not invite your friends, family or work work colleagues to join you when you go walking
  

All Levels of Fitness Welcome

All walks are...

• Wheelchair and push chair friendly
• Free of charge
• Last between 30 minutes and 1 hour
• On hard and dry ground and are mainly flat
• Take place whatever weather
• We will be there to welcome you

If you have not been on a health walk before, please come 5 minutes before the advertised start time. You will be asked to fill in a short ‘health check’ questionnaire.