Quick nhs test to check you're 'walking at the right speed'

The NHS has shared a key tip on assessing your walking speed and determining whether it qualifies as a 'brisk walk'. According to the UK health service, just 10 minutes of brisk

walking each day can enhance your stamina and mood, while providing various health benefits. "It sounds simple, but a little walk goes a long way," the NHS said on X, formerly

Twitter, yesterday. "Just 10 minutes of brisk walking a day can boost your stamina, energy and mood. "Top tip: if you can chat but not quite manage a singalong, you're walking

at the right pace." A brisk walk is faster than a stroll but slower than a jog, averaging at around three miles per hour. As the NHS implies, you can determine if you're walking

briskly by attempting to sing a song. If you can't sing the lyrics but can still chat comfortably, it's a good indication that you are walking briskly. If you're still

uncertain, try using Active 10, an exercise app recommended by the NHS. This phone app also helps monitor your walking distance, assisting you in reaching any predetermined fitness

objectives. "Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier," separate online advice from the NHS reads. "Sometimes

overlooked as a form of exercise, walking briskly can help you build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier. "You do not have to walk for hours. A brisk 10-minute

daily walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards your 150 minutes of weekly exercise, as recommended in the physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64." A

significant body of scientific research indicates that exercise can decrease your likelihood of developing serious illnesses, such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and coronary heart disease.

Currently, heart and circulatory diseases represent one-quarter of all deaths in the UK, according to the British Heart Foundation. Albeit overlooked, brisk walking does qualify as a type of

exercise, and the NHS is not alone in praising its benefits. Recent findings from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology also reveal that brisk walking could potentially reduce

the risk of dementia by as much as 40%. Professor Ulrik Wisløff, who co-authored the research, explained: "We believe it's time for health authorities to provide clearer advice on

how important exercise is for the brain. "Our review shows that even small doses of high-intensity activity – equivalent to brisk walking where you can't sing – can reduce the risk

of dementia by up to 40%." Postdoctoral researcher Atefe Rafiee Tari also told Norwegian Sci-Tech News: "Exercise is cheap, accessible, and has no side effects. It should be

considered a first-line measure to preserve brain health." For more information on brisk walking, head to the NHS website.