Cyprus Walking Friends

As humans progressed from 4 to two feet, the centre of gravity of the body was raised. This meant that all systems in the body were working hard to balance the trunk over the feet, to allow safe walking.

So, walking increases strength and mobility in the hips, knees, and shoulders joints, as well as improving the health of the heart and lungs. In fact at any age in life you can achieve an improvement in general fitness by walking regularly. It is suggested that walking 20 minutes three times a week is ideal, in a normal busy life, but of course the more vigorous or longer your walks, the greater the improvement in fitness and health.

Following an injury such as a sprained ankle, twisted knee, or back problem, and after the initial period of healing the damaged tissues, you will be given the all clear by your doctor or physiotherapist, and then walking can speed further recovery. Using a hiking pole, either the ski pole type or the T handle type as suits you, can take any excess stress in an area of previous injury. In fact many injury free walkers make use of hiking poles as they help with balancing on descents, and supplement strength on ascents.

Walking, like swimming, exercises nearly all parts of the body, but you gain the mental stimulation of constantly changing surroundings when you walk, particularly in the beautiful countryside of Cyprus.
The warm weather conditions in the September to May walking season in Cyprus also allow walking to be more comfortable and beneficial for those with chronic difficulties such as Arthritis.

While you are on holiday, you generally have more time to walk than in your daily life, even if you are only sightseeing or shopping. This can result in minor aches and pains, that are often of no serious consequence and can be dealt with easily; for example an aching knee can often be resolved by an ice pack applied for 5 minutes, and using an elastic knee support for further walking.

I believe Cyprus Walking Friends are well aware of the health issues associated with walking, and are very capable of helping their clients cope with and overcome any minor problems that arise on their guided walks. I have therefore been happy to assist them in the development of their programme of “Ambler” walks which offer a chance for those with little or no experience in country walking to take part in risk free, stimulating, and enjoyable exercise.

M Fuller, Sports Physiotherapist, adviser to Cyprus Walking Friends