A free app from the NHS could be the key to helping residents in the UK shed pounds, enhance their mood, and increase physical activity—all without the need for a costly gym subscription. This under-the-radar app motivates users to engage in regular exercise without the necessity of any gym gear. All that’s required to begin is a comfortable pair of trainers and your smartphone.

Accessible via both the App Store and Google Play, the NHS Active 10 app is designed to enhance both mental and physical health by promoting more frequent walking. The concept revolves around the benefits of a brisk 10-minute walk each day, referred to as your ‘active 10′, which has been associated with numerous health advantages.

The app’s description highlights: “We all recognize the importance of staying active. The great news is that you don’t need to hit the gym or invest in pricey fitness plans. Simply walking briskly is beneficial too!

“A mere ten minutes of brisk walking daily can boost your heart rate, increase your energy levels, and reduce the risk of serious conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Taking a brisk walk is also an excellent way to clear your mind and uplift your mood.

“Active 10’s are easy to incorporate into your daily schedule, whether it’s taking the dog for a walk or enjoying a midday stroll. There are countless ways to integrate brisk walking into your routine.”

The NHS app keeps track of your steps and the duration of brisk walking minutes, rewarding each completed brisk minute. Additional features include a pace checker to ensure users maintain an adequate walking speed, as well as options to set personal goals and monitor 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.”