A free NHS app could help Brits lose weight, boost their mood, and become more active, all without shelling out for a gym membership. The little-known app encourages users to exercise more frequently and doesn’t require any gym equipment. All you need to kick off is a comfy pair of trainers and your mobile phone.
Available on both the App Store and Google Play, the NHS Active 10 app helps people improve their mental and physical wellbeing by encouraging them to walk more frequently. It’s based on the idea that a brisk 10-minute daily walk, otherwise known as your ‘active 10’, is linked to a wide range of health benefits.
The app description explains: “We all know how important it is to be active. The good news is you don’t have to go to the gym or start expensive fitness programmes, walking briskly counts too!
“Just ten minutes of brisk walking every day can get your heart pumping and can make you feel more energetic, as well as lowering your risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Going for a brisk walk is a great way to clear your head and improve your mood.
“Active 10’s are simple to fit into your day, from taking the dog out to going for a lunchtime walk, there are lots of opportunities to include brisk walking into your daily routine.”
The NHS app monitors step count and the number of brisk minutes walked, and rewards each brisk minute completed. The other features include a pace checker to help users determine whether they’re walking at a sufficient pace, along with an option to set personal goals and track progress.
The app also lets users view up to twelve months of walking activity and provides handy tips for a healthier lifestyle. It’s available free of charge via the NHS alongside the NHS Couch to 5K app, which tends to be more widely recognised than its walking counterpart, reports the Mirror.
Walking and running are both linked to numerous health benefits, and some people may wish to use both apps. However, the walking app could prove particularly suitable for those seeking low-impact exercise.
The NHS Active 10 Walking Tracker has impressed reviewers, earning an average rating of 4.7 out of five on the App Store from over 50k ratings. It also holds an average rating of 4.5 out of five stars on Google Play, with over 10k reviews.
One user wrote: “An excellent and easy to use app for motivating us non-runners. A (virtual) gold cup is awarded for every brisk 10 minute walk you achieve.
“So it’s nice to set a target and try to beat previous ones (with no pressure). Some days I manage only 10 minutes and other days up to 80 minutes or more. It’s great to keep active and feel healthier. Highly recommended.”
Another reviewer said: “I have a watch that gives me accurate data on how many steps I do each day but not how many of those steps benefited my health. This app does as it separates out walking duration and health-boosting brisk walking. Simple but a game changer in monitoring your daily movement.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
