Brisk walking ‘better for you’ than 10,000 steps

ADULTS should walk briskly for 10 minutes a day to stay healthy rather than focusing on distance or the quantity of steps, health officials have said.

New guidance from public health experts in the UK suggests just 10 minutes of brisk walking a day is the best way for adults to introduce more physical activity of moderate intensity into their day and reduce the risk of early death by up to 15pc.

Obesity experts here say many of us are active for less than 30 minutes a week. Not having enough time is given as the main reason, followed by not feeling motivated and being too tired.

The official advice is for adults to carry out at least 150 minutes a week (around 20 minutes a day) of moderate to vigorous physical activity, which has been linked to health benefits including a lowered risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

But half of adults surveyed believe more than 240 minutes of exercise a week (half an hour a day) is required to see general health benefits, while 15pc think more than 420 minutes a week (an hour a day) is needed.

Professor Muir Gray said: “The additional health benefits that can be achieved by walking at a brisk pace for periods of 10 minutes or more – as opposed to totting up a certain number of steps throughout the day – are undeniable.

“I’d advise anyone of any age and activity level to fit in at least one 10-minute brisk walk a day as a simple way to get more active, especially those taking medication for a long-term health condition.”