It’s recommended that we take 10,000 steps a day. However, a recent study conducted at Stanford University found that the global average for steps taken per day is 4,961.

There are many benefits of walking; from reducing the risk of heart disease to helping you sleep easy! Swapping walking on pavements for paths in green spaces, you’re likely to improve your mood, get the creative juices flowing and reduce feelings of depression.

Try and ensure your walking technique is correct:

• Tighten your stomach muscles to engage your core and support your entire body weight.
• Spinal alignment is vital; try to stand up straight and keep your chin parallel to the ground.
• Let your arms swing naturally and roll through your foot from heel to toe.
• As you move your body weight from heel to toe try and make a slight rolling motion inwards.
• Speed walking can burn as many calories as jogging especially if your posture is correct.
• Shorten your strides; this will reduce the strain on your knees, calves and shins.
• Getting the right footwear is key to ensuring you establish a good walking method.

Try to incorporate a walk into your daily routine. By releasing endorphins and boosting vitamin D levels, walking’s benefits are sure to leave you feeling refreshed and energized.