Amble along the footpaths and stroll through the beaches of Port Macquarie and look around you. People might seem happier, more relaxed - actually they even look better! Have they discovered some magical secret?
In a sense - yes! Port Macquarie is one of the best places walking cities in Australia - in fact it's been named as a finalist Australia's best walking town by Prevention Magazine - and it's easy to see why!
Walking is one of the best forms of physical exercise - it's healthy, enjoyable and everyone can do it. There are plenty of health benefits associated with regular walking - in fact some would call it the fountain of youth!
Here's what doctors and researchers say about some of the benefits of walking:
- The cure for the common cold - A study in the American Journal of Medicine found that people who walked regularly were three times less likely to catch a cold. Plus, their ability to ward off a cold continued increased over time.
- Add years to your life - an article published in the Washington Post shows by walking 30 a day for the next 12 years, you'll gain 1.3 healthy years. That's just 49 days of walking to gain 617 days of life - that's a 1250% pay off!
- Prevent breast cancer - women take note - results from the 20-year long Nurse's Health Study show that regular walking decreases the occurrence of breast cancer and Type II diabetes in women.
- Lower cholesterol - easy downhill walking has been shown to lower blood sugar and helps lower cholesterol according a study by Dr Heinz Drexel presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.
- Look younger - forget wrinkle creams and botox, the secret to looking years younger is getting active. Archives of Internal Medicine found a big difference in the cells of those who enjoyed leisure time exercise compared to those who lounged on the couch in their spare time - the cells appeared almost 10 years younger!
Meanwhile, if you're looking for some of the best walks in Australia, you need to check out Port Macquarie - with six beautiful beaches and coastal walks galore, you'll appreciate the scenic views as you walk your way to a better life!
- Coastal walk - from the Port Mac CBD, the breathtaking coastal walk takes you to the outer beaches and suburbs. Distance: 8 kms
- Westport Park to Tacking Point - a combination of beautiful coastline, headlands, beaches and historic sites Distance: 9 kms
- Town Green to Settlement City - wheelchair accessible Distance: 3 kms
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What's your favourite walk in Port Macquarie?