
It can also get you into a rhythm and help you walk faster. Walking while listening to music or a podcast can take your mind off the effort.
going for a stroll with family or friends after dinner. leaving the car behind for short journeys. Think of ways to include walking in your daily routine. The easiest way to walk more is to make walking a habit. If you cannot leave the house, why not see if one of our free Fitness Studio exercise videos can help. The water helps to support your joints while you move and can help you strengthen your muscles. If your joints are a problem, check whether your local swimming pool holds exercise classes. If you're not very active but are able to walk, increase your walking distance gradually. It tells you when you're walking fast enough and suggests ways to fit in some more brisk walking.ĭownload Active 10 from the NHS Better Health website What if I'm not very active? You could also try using the free Active 10 app on your smartphone. You can tell you're walking briskly if you can still talk but cannot sing the words to a song. How do I know if I'm walking fast enough?Ī brisk walk is about 3 miles an hour, which is faster than a stroll. If you start going for longer walks regularly, you may want to invest in a waterproof jacket and some specialist walking shoes for more challenging routes. If you're walking to work, you could wear your usual work clothes with a comfy pair of shoes and change shoes when you get into work.įor long walks, you may want to take some water, healthy snacks, a spare top, sunscreen and a sun hat in a small backpack. Before you startĪny shoes or trainers that are comfortable, provide adequate support and do not cause blisters will do. A brisk 10-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards your 150 minutes of weekly exercise, as recommended in the physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64. Sometimes overlooked as a form of exercise, walking briskly can help you build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier.
Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier.