Start walking

You can start walking anytime and anywhere. Walk to your local shops, to school, to work or to the bus stop.

Although 30 minutes of brisk walking a day is recommended, you don’t have to do it all in one go to start with. The important thing is that you make a start at a level you're comfortable with, and then build it up.

For example, you might walk for 10 minutes three times a day or 15 minutes twice a day at first.  

30 minutes a day is all it takes to start to feel the difference.

• Tip: the Walk4Life website has some good ideas for getting you and your family out walking.
• Tip: the Get Walking Keep Walking website is packed with practical advice and tools including a 12-week walking plan.

Here is the information you need to start walking. Use the links below or the menu on the right.

• Why walk?
• Getting started
• Your walking plan
• How to join a Walking for Health group
• Ideas for keeping active