Could Walking Be the Simple Health Habit We've Been Looking For?

We've all heard the phrase "get your steps in," but there's a good reason it keeps coming up. Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible ways to improve both our physical and mental health.

This week, the NHS announced plans to launch a new "Marathon a Month" challenge, encouraging people to walk for around 30 minutes each day. Over the course of a month, those daily walks add up to around 26 miles – the distance of a marathon.

The aim isn't to get everyone running marathons or joining a gym. It's simply about helping more people move a little more, a little more often.

Participants will be able to track their walks using their phone or smartwatch, and those who complete the challenge will be eligible for rewards and discounts. While the details are still to be announced, the real reward is likely to be how much better people feel.

The statistics behind the campaign are sobering. Around one in four adults in England are classed as physically inactive, doing less than 30 minutes of moderate activity each week. Yet something as simple as a brisk 30-minute walk, five days a week, could add years of healthy life while reducing the risk of many long-term health conditions.

What I love about this initiative is that it makes movement feel achievable. You don't need expensive equipment, fancy gym memberships or lots of spare time. A walk before work, at lunchtime, after dinner or even breaking those 30 minutes into smaller chunks throughout the day all count.

As a coach, I always remind my clients that exercise doesn't have to be all or nothing. Every bit of movement matters. Walking improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, supports weight management, reduces stress and anxiety, boosts mood and energy, and can even improve sleep.

And let's not forget the social side. Some of my favourite moments are chatting with friends on a lake walk, catching up during a NetWalking session or simply getting outside for some fresh air. Movement doesn't always have to feel like a workout.

With the summer holidays just around the corner, August can often be the month when routines disappear. Whether you're away on holiday, entertaining the kids, or simply enjoying a slower pace, exercise is often the first thing to slip.

That's exactly why I'm putting together the "Summer Step Club" for the Energie4Life community.

The idea is simple: commit to 30 minutes of walking every day throughout August. It doesn't matter whether you're exploring a beach, walking through the countryside, strolling around your local park or simply taking a lap around the block after dinner—it all counts.

To help keep you moving, I'll also be including some quick bonus workouts that you can do anywhere. Think hotel rooms, holiday apartments, your living room or even the garden—short sessions designed to complement your walks and help you stay strong while you're away from your usual routine.

My mission is to help you to "keep moving, wherever summer takes you"

More details will be coming soon, but if you've been looking for a simple way to stay active this summer, this could be exactly what you need.

Because staying healthy isn't about being perfect. It's about finding realistic ways to keep moving, wherever life takes you.