A fitness routine with real benefits eight hours later

Wellness expert Nicola Elliott looks at one thing we can all do that will make our nine-to-five feel happier and healthier

- Nicola Elliott

I’ve finally found the perfect exercise. It doesn’t require changing into a gym kit, can be done at any time at little cost and is both time-efficient and gentle enough to do every day. It also works for your mental health as much as your physical health and will still have an effect on your wellbeing eight hours later.

What is this miracle fitness routine? Walking. And hurrah, you don’t even need to hit the treadmill to do it. In fact, according to chartered psychologist and author of Self-Care for Winter Suzy Reading, you’ll be better off if you don’t head to the gym because the key thing about getting maximum benefit out of walking is that it has to be done outside.

The reason that it’s such a good workout is that physically it’s more taxing overall on whole muscle groups, and being outside for approximately 20 minutes a day is crucial because the benefit of this movement is the green element to it. This is where you’re going to reap the mental health benefits for hours after you’ve done the actual walking bit.