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The scientific experts all seem to be saying the same thing when it comes to health and fitness:

1 Obesity, overweight and physical inactivity are at record levels and soaring

2 These problems lead to increased risks from heart disease, strokes, diabetes and many other chronic illnesses

3 Most of us can reduce the risks of these illnesses by taking up a balanced diet and moderate exercise.

Advice on diet is beyond the scope of this article but, when it comes to exercise, one of the easiest ways to do more is to adopt an activity we all do instinctively but never think about seriously ... walking.

Walking is something you've been able to do since you were just a few months old, but have you ever considered taking it up as a serious fitness activity?

Well if you haven't you should!

The health benefits of walking are more compelling than for any other physical activity, simply because walking is so easy to do and you don't have to work up a sweat!

In the UK, The Chief Medical Officer recommends 30 minutes of 'moderately intensive' physical activity on five or more days a week.

So if you're out of shape but the thought of exercising fills you with horror, why not just start walking more often on a regular basis? You don't need any special equipment, you can do it anywhere and at anytime. And it's FREE!

Here are just some of the health reasons for taking up a walking routine:

* reduce your risks of heart disease, strokes and diabetes
* reduce your risks of high blood pressure
* reduce your risks of minor illnesses
* start to bring your weight under control
* get the stress in your life under control
* improve your sleep
* improve your posture

And for maximum health benefits, start your walking activities by getting out into the open air.

Walk in your local park, your local garden center, down by your local river or canal. Get out into the countryside and breathe a little of that rarefied air only to be found in the great outdoors!

You'll find it'll help you get life's problems into a more manageable perspective.

You don't have to go hill walking for miles. After all, you're only walking for 30 minutes, so short walks are all that's required.

And once you've done it, you'll want to do it again. This is guaranteed!

Not only that, once you've walked in the countryside for even a little while, you'll want to walk further. And the best rewards are usually to be found at the top of the hill. Of course, this will mean you'll have to work a bit harder, but the greatest benefit of all is getting to the top of a hill to see the view.

This on its own is enough to challenge the most stressful lifestyle and enable you to breathe far more easily.

For example, after reaching the top of Mam Tor in the Peak District (the UK's most popular National Park) and surveying the amazing views of Hope Valley and the Vale of Edale, your troubles will vanish into the ether and your heart will start pounding, not because you're about to have a heart attack, but out of awe and inspiration!

All this can be achieved with just one short walk!

Don't believe me? Well, try it and see for yourself.