People looking to lose weight or boost their fitness could reach their goals sooner with a free NHS app. This ‘lesser-known’ app motivates users to exercise more frequently, requiring no fitness equipment whatsoever. All you need to get started is a pair of comfortable shoes and a phone.

Aiming to shed a few pounds or improve your fitness level? A free app from the NHS might just help you meet your targets faster. This often-overlooked app encourages regular exercise without the need for any gym equipment. All you need is a pair of comfortable shoes and your smartphone.

The NHS Active 10 app, which can be downloaded from both the App Store and Google Play, focuses on enhancing both mental and physical well-being through brisk walking. The app promotes the idea that a daily brisk 10-minute walk, termed your ‘active 10’, offers numerous health advantages.

The NHS highlights: “Healthy transformations begin with small steps. Whether your goal is to lose weight, become more active, or uplift your mood, Better Health and Active 10 are here to support you in achieving your health objectives.”

The app’s description notes: “We all understand the importance of staying active. The good news is there’s no need for a gym membership or costly fitness programs; brisk walking can be just as effective!

“Just ten minutes of brisk walking each day can boost your heart rate, increase your energy levels, and reduce the risk of serious ailments like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, a brisk walk can help clear your mind and elevate your mood.

“Active 10 sessions are easy to incorporate into your daily schedule. Whether it’s walking the dog or enjoying a lunchtime stroll, there are plenty of opportunities to add brisk walking into your routine.”

Users can view up to twelve months of walking activity, and there are tips on achieving a healthier lifestyle. It’s available free of charge from the NHS alongside the NHS Couch to 5K app, which tends to be better known than its walking counterpart.

Both walking and running can help improve health, and for some people, using a mix of both apps could be helpful. However, the walking app could be ideal for people looking for low-impact exercise they can easily incorporate into their everyday routine.

The free app is popular with reviewers. The NHS Active 10 Walking Tracker has an average rating of 4.7 out of five on the App Store, with over 50k ratings. It also has an average rating of 4.5 out of five stars on Google Play, with over 10k reviews, reports the Mirror.

One response said: “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 fan of the app wrote: “Very good app for people looking to start a regular walking routine, using building blocks of 10 minutes of brisk walking. Rewards system built in for motivation.

“Easy to use, doesn’t require data outdoors or personal info. For experienced/ regular walkers it’s a good way of checking if you are actually walking briskly. I’m now using it alongside Pacer which tracks speed, distance etc. to help keep me motivated.”