10 reasons to get walking

Take a walk - feel the benefits

1. Walking helps burn fat and calories - a person weighing 10 stone can burn 100 calories per mile walked.

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2. Walking tones your buttocks, thighs, hips and abdomen.

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3. Walking increases your sense of wellbeing, is a brilliant stress-buster and will help you get a better night's sleep.

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4. Walking boosts your metabolism and energy levels.

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5. As a weight-bearing exercise, walking can strengthen bones, decreasing your risk of osteoporosis.

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6. A regular brisk walk will strengthen your heart and immune system, lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of strokes and heart disease.

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7. Walking improves flexibility and coordination.

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Turn your walk into a workout

8. Taking a walk gets you outdoors, so you're exposed to vitamin D-producing sunlight. Our bodies need vitamin D to absorb calcium properly and maintain healthy bones, but it's relatively difficult to obtain sufficient quantities from diet alone, so getting out in the fresh air year around is important.

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Teva Sky Lake walking shoe

9. It is so easy to fit a quick walk into your day - every day - just slip on a pair  of light walking trainers and take a stroll round the block.

TRY: The Teva Sky Lake, £90, sturdy yet comfy and great for a quick walk to work or a weekend country ramble.

Get more gear ideas here

10. Walking is the ultimate zero-cost shape-up. Walking saves you money on public transport and gym membership while making you feel fitter and healthier at the same time.

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