Sport Liverpool are organising walks to increase participation in sport and exercise among people across the city.
Every Monday and Wednesday there will be a “walk for health” led by Sport Liverpool’s fitness team, who encourage everyone of all ages to come and take part.
These aim to boost physical fitness as well as help the mental health of participants.
It comes after Sport Liverpool’s feel-good February, where they put on events to help people get out the house, do some exercise and make them feel good mentally as well as physically.
Exercise is scientifically proven to have a benefit on mental health.
It releases endorphins in the brain that can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.
Studies have shown that 20-30 minutes of exercise each day can make people feel calmer.
One of the most recent Sport Liverpool events included a 2.5k walk or a 5k run.
Anyone was welcome, and the numbers participating was encouraging.
Around 80 people attended, which started outside the University of Liverpool’s Sport and Fitness Centre.
People of all ages attended the run/walk, and all had similar reasons for taking part.
Dylan, 21 and a student in Liverpool, said: “I just enjoy running, I’m doing it with friends so it’s a nice social activity.
“Getting out there and doing some exercise definitely clears you’re mind and helps you feel better.”
Shane 19, another participant, said: “Exercise 100% benefits my mental health, I go to the gym regularly and it helps with my mental health a lot.”
An organiser of the event said: “It’s really nice to give people the opportunity to come out and do some exercise.
“A lot of people will not think to just go out on a run, so putting on events like this gives them a reason to exercise.
“Hopefully we can continue to put on events like this throughout the year to help benefit people physically and mentally.”
