Croí Couch to Wild Atlantic Way Walk

Laya healthcare is delighted to announce that we have partnered up as the Health & Wellbeing partner for Croí. They have launched a new virtual challenge along the Wild Atlantic Way, encouraging people to get moving and raise funds to help support people living with heart disease and stroke.

The virtual challenge runs for six weeks, launching June 10th so let’s get walking! You have two weeks from the 10th to register and six weeks to complete the challenge following registration. It is a great way to reach out to your family and friends over the summer months. Registration costs €15 each or €40 for families, with everyone receiving a special Croí Couch to Wild Atlantic Way sustainable medal! Discover the beauty of Ireland’s West Coast by taking part in Croí’s Couch to Wild Atlantic Way. To take part, please go to www.croi.ie/WildAtlanticWay to register.

Prior to Covid-19, we were Croí’s official partner for their fundraising ball and have loved their innovative and exciting approach in these challenging times. Our HeartBeat screening benefit was launched in 2012 and to partner up with an organisation who is equally as passionate and advocates for the prevention of Heart disease in Ireland is really exciting.

Take the Right Steps - Walking for a Better You!

Walking is also a form of LISS. Low Intensity Steady State cardio is a form of exercise that involves cardio exercises performed at lower impact for a longer duration of time. The opposite of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), additional benefits of this form of exercise include:

Fat burning and fat loss. Steady-state training improves your body’s ability to use fat as fuel instead of using glycogen stored in your muscles.
It’s appropriate for all levels. Since LISS is easier to do and gentler on the body, it’s appropriate for beginners.
It allows for easier recovery. Because you’re putting less stress on your heart and body, you may find you recover more quickly and easily from LISS.
It’s an effective way to train for endurance events. Exercising at a lower intensity for a long period of time puts less stress on your heart and lungs than a more-intense workout. This can be an effective way to prepare for an endurance event.
It’s also great for recovery after a difficult workout. You can use LISS as a recovery session the day after a high-intensity workout.

Understanding the benefits of walking

This is a great time to embrace the simple things in life, such as walking. You do not need equipment, it’s free and it can be done on your own time without the need for a personal trainer or instructor. Our very own Healthcoach has helped with outlining the benefits of walking.

To understand the benefits let us take a look at what walking can do for you:

Boost your Immunity – Walking has been proven to reduce your risk of cold and flu. At this present time please exercise caution in terms of social distancing.
Burn Calories to aid in weight loss or maintenance – This will depend on intensity and distance covered
Increase Heart Strength – Reduce the risk of heart related disease and illness
Lower blood sugar levels – Especially after meals!
Improve Mood – Reduce depression, anxiety and boost self esteem
Increase Longevity – Yes, walking can extend your life and support your mobility into later life!
Suitable for all ages – new born babies being the exception

For laya healthcare members 18yrs+, who wish to learn more about Healthcoach and get a personalised fitness, nutrition and mental wellbeing programme click here