Walking is an excellent way to burn calories. It provides a number of health benefits and even better, it doesn’t cost a penny.

Sustrans, the UK charity that makes it easier for people to walk and cycle, advises that adults should take part in 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week. Current physical activity levels in the UK are reported to be low. Only 40% if men and 28% of women meeting these minimum recommendations.

With this in mind, we take a look at some simple tips as to how we can fit walking into our daily routine.

This helps us to achieve the recommended amount of exercise each week.

• Ditch the car and walk instead. For short trips to the shops, work or school, walking is an ideal way to get active.

• Go for an evening stroll. You could make walking a family affair, starting a good habit for all the family.
• Combine walking with other modes of transport. If a journey is too long, why not combine it with another mode of transport?
• You could walk with the kids to school and get the bus back. Maybe even take the bus to work, jump off a stop early and walk the rest of the way.
• Find a walking buddy. If you commit to meet a friend you are more likely to stick to it. Alternatively, a local walking group (often advertised in your local paper) might suit you better.
• During your lunch break, go for a walk instead of just sitting at your desk.

To keep track of your progress you could use a pedometer or other wearable fitness device or app to see how many steps you’ve taken, the distance you’ve covered and how many calories you’ve burned.

Information sourced: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-you-can-do/use-your-car-less/walking

Some private medical insurers such as Vitality Health and AXA PPP Healthcare, provide policyholders big savings on a wide range of activity trackers and those insured with Vitality Health can earn Vitality points for tracking their activity and access to their reward partners depending on the number of points earned.

SMP Healthcare Ltd is an independent specialist health insurance broker and if you would like to know more about private medical insurance plans including those who offer savings on activity trackers, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01245 929129 or by email enquiries@smphealthcare.com