As concern grows about sedentary lifestyles, the NHS is launching a rewards and vouchers scheme if people walk at least 20 minutes a day. From next year, people will get “prizes” if they cover the equivalent of a marathon in a month – walking 20 minutes everyday covers around 26 miles in four weeks. The campaign led by Sir Brendan Foster, says this could give up to four extra years of healthy life.
Nearly a quarter of adults, 12 million people, are physically inactive, according to Sport England. A person is classified as physically inactive if they do less than 30 minutes of moderate-intensity equivalent physical activity per week. But can a 20 minute walk a day transform the health of someone who does regular exercise?
I’m not the unhealthiest person – far from it. I go to the gym, eat reasonably well and try to limit my takeaways and sweet treats. But, like most people, I could be better – and my new goal is to focus on my step count.
It always sounded so simple – the 10k step rule. Last summer, I made sure my Fitbit displayed the magic number 10,000, but as the air grew colder and nights got darker I slacked and told myself half the amount would suffice – then never managed to get back into the swing of it. I’m 22 with no known health issues so how bad could it be?
