Walking, the magical exercise

Whether it's in the city, across a field, or in a forest of towering trees, walking could be the single best exercise that you aren't doing.

The British NHS recommends that everyone does some form of moderate exercise for 150 minutes a week, luckily a brisk walk falls into that category. Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise that you can do. It can be done by almost anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Just 10 minutes a day could improve your heart health and overall fitness.

For those that aren't sure how to start you can check out the NHS website or download the Active10 app on Apple or Android which provides some guidance and advice on how best to start a walking program. If you are worried about your current fitness or you have issues with joints then just slowly, don't walk too fast, or too far in one go and take breaks if you need to. As the old adage goes;

As we touched on earlier, there is a myriad of health benefits that can be gleaned from regular walking. It can help improve your cardiovascular fitness and help you maintain a healthy weight, which in turn can reduce your blood pressure and reduce the risk of health issues such as stroke and heart disease. Daily walks, when paired with a balanced diet could help you to lose weight, and as that body fat melts away it will get easier and easier to go further and faster.

There are many mental health benefits from walking, especially if done in nature. Our resident positivity guru Freya has written an excellent article all about "Forest Bathing" and all the benefits that go along with it. All of which can be mixed together with a good walk. If you are someone that struggles with depression or anxiety please click the link above and learn how it can help you too.

One of the best things about walking is that you need almost no equipment to do it, apart from a sturdy pair of walking shoes there really is no need for anything else. You can always supplement your walking with some walking poles or clever moisture-wicking clothing but this isn't absolutely necessary. If you are looking to make it more difficult you can also put a bag on your back and carry a weight with you as you walk and Voila! You are now rucking.

There are many simple ways to include walking into your daily routine. If you are lucky enough to live a mile or two from where you work then you could walk to and from work most days, 30 minutes each way will add up very quickly. There are tonnes of examples I could give that may or may not apply to you, but in reality it just has to be a decision you make, if anything is 5-10 minute drive away, then walk instead. It may be difficult at first but it will get easier.

So it's very cheap, very easy and very simple. It's the ultimate exercise.