Experts recommend that we should all do the equivalent of half an hours brisk walking on most days. However, if you are inactive at the moment, the best way to started is little and often. Perhaps begin with 5 minutes brisk walk every day, then build up to 10 minutes daily for the first week.

Once you have managed that, build up gradually until you are fitting in that ‘half hour per day’. Stepometers have become very popular and they help you count the number of steps you do in a day and you can aim to increase this number gradually – building up to 10,000 steps a day is a great target.

Here is an easy and convenient way of increasing your walking. Work out some walking routes from your front door that are 10 mins, 15 mins and 30 mins long. You can then choose the route that suits you best each day! If it is raining or you haven’t much time, choose the 10 min route. If you have more time, choose the longer routes.

Is this something you could do?

For weight loss, we recommend that you aim for up to 45 - 60 minutes activity per day and to maintain weight lost, aim for at least 60 minutes per day. This is equivalent to building up to 15000 steps every day. If that sounds a lot, many people find amazing how, once they get into the habit of becoming more active how much easier it all becomes and how much better they – and you will feel. Getting started is the key and then build up gradually, at your pace. Remember every bit of activity counts!