Would you like to take more exercise but – like so many other people – struggle to actually do it? There are plenty of reasons why this might be the case. Not enough time to fit it into your day, lack of energy after a long day at work, lack of equipment – the list goes on. When you also consider that the monthly membership fee at the gym is an expensive item, it’s no great surprise that many people exercise a lot less than they would like to.

If there was a form of exercise that was easy to do, required no special equipment or training and which didn’t require you to get hot, sweaty and out of breath, then it might be easier to motivate yourself to exercise more. If it was also possible to fit exercise into your daily routine when it was most convenient for you – and if it was free, with no monthly fees to pay – then that would be even better.

Fortunately, such a form of exercise does exist – although you may not have considered it. Walking is an activity that we all perform every day. It needs no training, expertise or special equipment. As long as you have a good, comfortable pair of shoes you’re all set. It’s also a very cost effective method of exercising – and you can slot it into your daily routine whenever you like.

The possible health benefits available as a result of walking on a regular basis read like the product description of the latest wonder drug. Walking can help to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke whilst increasing lung capacity. It helps to combat anxiety and depression, and it helps you to sleep better at night. It can lower the risk of certain forms of cancer. It boosts your energy level and leaves you feeling generally better overall. Recent research in the UK suggests that it may even be effective in combating Alzheimer’s disease. It helps to increase bone density, build muscle and to lose weight.

Health professionals seem to agree that, in order to maximize the benefits to be gained from walking exercise, we should target 10,000 steps each day. For most people that equates to a distance of just under five miles – although this can vary somewhat if you have a very short or long stride length.

It does sound like a long way, but you would probably be surprised at just how easy it actually is to achieve. Walking to work or school and leaving the car in the garage once or twice a week is a good start. Getting off the bus one or two stops early and finishing the last leg of your journey on foot is good. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator will help. When you do use your car, parking in a corner of the lot away from the entrance so that you have further to walk will boost your step count. There are plenty of ways to get to the 10,000 step figure. Every little helps.

Take it easy when you’re starting out. Start off slowly and build up gradually whenever you feel comfortable to do so. Because walking is a low impact, low injury risk, workout it is suitable for the vast majority of people. However, if you are over forty, if you have any medical conditions, or if you haven’t taken regular exercise for some time, then do seek medical advice before you embark upon any new exercise regime.

Boost the effectiveness of your walking workout with Fitflops fitness shoes. They’re scientifically designed to increase the amount of work your lower body muscles perform whilst walking. Both women’s and men’s Fitflops are available in a wide choice of styles and colors.