Research has indicated that:

• 8 out of 10 women and 7 out of 10 men do not do enough exercise to benefit their health.
• 37% of all deaths from Coronary Heart Disease are attributable to a lack of physical activity (British Heart Foundation)
• Regular walking can help strengthen bones and therefore reduce the risk of osteoporosis and associated fractures

Brisk walking is best but if you are unfit or have taken very little exercise recently then gentle strolling is a good start. It is better to start slowly and build up to walking faster rather than overdoing things at the beginning.

Brisk walking is the goal because the heart reaches its natural "training zone" when it has to work a little harder than normal.

You are walking briskly when:

• Your heart beats faster than normal but is not racing.
• Your breathing is deeper than usual but conversation is still possible.
• You experience a warm glowing feeling.

The right walking speed for you will depend on your gender, age and fitness.