Drop 10 inches by walking!

Rachel Stevens

Fed up with slogging away at hot and crowded exercise classes? Fancy a more scenic view than a purple face on the neighbouring treadmill when you're working out? Then you'll love the latest way to shape up, which counts stars like Rachel Stevens, left, among its fans. It doesn't involve sweaty gym workouts, tricky moves or expensive memberships and can be slotted into your lunch break in your local park. In fact, chances are, it's something you do a fair bit of already. This exercise regime will also slash your risk of conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis and even reduce your chances of developing depression and ovarian cancer. We're talking walking, but with a difference. Yes, the activity we all take for granted can be turned into an unbeatable, body-blitzing, fitness-boosting workout that will annihilate those extra inches and have you looking taller, sleeker and more sculpted in no time. Over the past few months, Rachel Stevens has been working on a body-maintenance plan with personal trainer and walking expert Joanna Hall in preparation for her wedding. 'I really love exercise, and I'm always open to trying new things,' says Rachel.

'After Strictly Come Dancing, I was concerned about how I'd maintain my fitness without dancing for hours every day;

I never imagined something as simple as walking would be the answer. I do two sessions with Joanna every week, and fit in extra walks where I can. I love the fact that my muscles are leaner and longer, particularly my legs.' Created exclusively for Zest, our shape-up plan has been adapted from Rachel's workout and can be tailored to suit every body objective - whether you're happy with your weight and want to focus on improving your fitness and muscle tone (like Rachel) or you want to lose weight as well as inches. And don't worry if you're time poor, the sessions are designed to fit into your lunch hour. 'It's the most enjoyable workout I've ever done, and I love the fact you don't need to change into special kit, don't end up too sweaty, and get to take in the scenery along the way,' says Rachel. 'This is a 360° fitness programme - you really won't need to do anything else,' says Joanna. 'It'll get you cardio-fit, dramatically improve the tone and shape of everything from your legs to your waist, arms and back, and transform your posture, too.' While our Standard plan (overleaf) can improve your cardio fitness by 25% and help you shed 6lb and six inches in six weeks, if you follow our Weightloss plan to the letter you should be on track to lose 10lb, and a whopping ten inches from your body in just 28 days. So, what are you waiting for? Lace up your walking shoes and get outdoors!

Read more from Zest.co.uk:

Top walking breaks

A flat stomach fast

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