More than 800 walkers gathered at the central campus of the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in Kimberley on Saturday (22/07) to take part in its inaugural Community Big Walk of 4,9 km.
“We raise awareness in support of leading a healthy and active lifestyle.
“By exercising together, we remind ourselves and others the importance of healthy living – and that we can have fun while exercising and staying healthy,” stated Prof. Andrew Crouch, SPU’s vice-chancellor and principal, earlier in promoting the event.
For the Big Walk, where no running and no earphones or headsets were allowed, family, friends, and colleagues walked together to the finishing line at the Windhoek Draught Park Stadium to receive medals for completing the distance.
The route was designed in such a way that the community could experience the campus, of which big parts are newly or recently constructed, first-hand.
SPU has five goals, one of which is community engagement, said David Kanguwe, chief operating officer (COO) of SPU.
By presenting the Big Walk, engagement between the university and the community took place, while relaying the message that the SPU – the only university in the Northern Cape – is here for the community to embrace. Spectators could also join in the fun day with prizes, stalls and entertainment on offer.
The SPU’s Employee Wellness Office has encouraged all staff members to register themselves and their families to participate.
“Walking is one notion of wellness that helps address and promote holistic dimensions of well-being, and is arguably the easiest form of exercise which is tailored to emotional and social interconnectedness,” the office stated.
For some, walking is not seen as a “real workout” as it can be too easy, too common, too enjoyable, or too relaxing to be considered a serious form of exercise.
However, walking is one of the easiest exercises to do on a consistent basis, and can be done nearly everywhere.
According to the fitness section of prevention.com, 15 major benefits of walking are that it:
1. improves your mood;
2. burns calories and helps reduce fat;
3. improves heart health;
4. reduces your risk of chronic diseases;
5. reduces your stress;
6. improves your sleep;
7. boosts your brainpower;
8. alleviates joint pain;
9. delays the onset of varicose veins;
10. stimulates your digestive system;
11. kickstarts your immune system;
12. keeps your bones strong and healthy;
13. makes other goals seem more attainable;
14. enhances creativity; and
15. helps to add years to your life.
