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Health First: Boost your health one step at a time

It’s that time of year again when the flowers in Vancouver’s parks are blooming and the sun honours us with its presence, encouraging us to go out for a stroll.
Stanley Park seawall
The Stanley Park seawall is a highly popular place for a stroll. Photo Dan Toulgoet

It’s that time of year again when the flowers in Vancouver’s parks are blooming and the sun honours us with its presence, encouraging us to go out for a stroll.

At a time where we’re always told that we need to exercise more, the longer days and warmer temperatures can be a blessing. People are more likely to go outside for a stroll if it’s not pouring rain.

Convenience also plays a big role in encouraging people to walk, according to Rand Clement, hiking enthusiast and owner of The Right Shoe.

“I think walking is a great form of exercise because it’s convenient. It’s gets people outside and it’s accessible to pretty much everybody, whether it’s walking around your block once or if it’s walking in the park,” he said.

An added benefit is that walking is easier on the joints compared to running. “It’s something that’s low impact on your body, as opposed to running, which is generating a lot more force,” said Clement. This way, walking can be a social activity as well as a physical one.

Clement pointed out that walking can be a serious activity, too. More people are using urban walking poles when they go on their strolls. The poles essentially look like ski poles. This ensures that people are engaging their torsos and arms when they walk. “It’s a great way to expand to exercise your upper body as well,” he said.

No matter what level of walking you choose to do, having the right footwear and apparel is essential.

“What you choose to put on your feet has a big impact on your comfort and giving your body some protection,” said Clement. Having a stable base and cushioning are the two most important things, according to him. For walking or light hiking, he recommends an athletic walking shoe that fits properly.

Ensure that you have enough room to wiggle your toes when you’re standing, he advised. And for those hot summer days, sandals are fine too, as long as they have good cushion and support.

The other thing to keep in mind if you’re starting a new walking program is to not do too much too soon. Easing into a routine of walking and gradually increasing the duration and frequency will reduce the risk of injury. Clement recommends starting off with no more than three days a week for 10 to 20 minutes at a time if you don’t walk on a regular basis. He was quick to add that everyone should check with their physician for any health issues if they are worried.

The park board also recognizes the importance of walking because of its health benefits and accessibility. “We’re all about getting people out, getting people active, making sure we’re doing our part in getting people healthy,” said Constance Barnes, the board’s vice chair. “Health and wellness is very important, and it’s affordable — it’s something that everyone can do.”

For Clement, walking is simply a good way to relax.

“Any time you get off the hard pavement it’s a nice escape to refresh your body and mind.”

WHERE TO WALK IN VANCOUVER

Where can you walk in Vancouver? There are plenty of choices:

Stanley Park Seawall

  • The nine kilometre seawall outlining Stanley Park is one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions. The path features stunning views of English Bay. Locals and tourists flock to this path for everything from cycling to running to walking. In the summer and weekends, the seawall is especially busy and users are advised to be aware of their surroundings and follow sign directions.

Queen Elizabeth Park

  • For those who want a more leisurely stroll, Queen Elizabeth Park offers amazing floral displays and open grassy areas perfect for a picnic. It is a bit of a climb to the top of the park but it is the highest point of the city, making it a beautiful viewpoint. The park is also a popular destination for high school graduation and wedding pictures, so it’s a great spot for people-watching as well.  

Everett Crowley Park

  • This 40-hectare park in Champlain Heights is an off-leash dog park featuring a handful of trails and even a small pond in the heart of the park. The park is situated on a slope that ends on Southeast Marine Drive, and is heavily covered in trees and blackberry bushes. The park is situated on a steep hill so this is a good option for those wanting a bit more of a workout.

Pacific Spirit Park

  • Pacific Spirit Park offers a wide variety of scenery and 33 trails — more than you could walk in one day. Bikes, horses, dogs and people share the trails, with varying restrictions on each one. There is something for everyone, from the 1.5 kilometre Forest Discovery Interpretive Trail to the five kilometre Beach Walk that ends at Wreck Beach. A warning to those who’ve never been to Wreck is posted on the park’s website: Wreck Beach clothing is optional.  

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