Walking Exercises

What it does

Regular walking maintains fitness and leg strength. In peripheral artery disease, supervised walking improves pain-free walking distance.

You will often see it in our programmes for osteoporosis, peripheral artery disease and knee osteoarthritis, and it features in our geriatric physiotherapy programmes.

How to do it

1. Start with 5 to 10 minutes on flat ground at a comfortable pace.
2. Wear supportive shoes and use your walking aid if prescribed.
3. Add a few minutes every week.
4. Aim to walk at a pace where you can talk but not sing.
5. Choose safe, well lit routes; a mall or park path works well.

How much

Build up towards 30 minutes on most days, split into shorter walks if needed.

Stop and check with us if

• You get chest pain, severe breathlessness or dizziness.
• Calf pain on walking limits you; it may be circulation-related.

Exercises in this programme

Frequently asked questions