Great strides... how to get more steps into your day

It's widely believed that 10,000 steps a day is the gold standard to aim for to boost health - but is this just an old wives' tale?

- BY CAMILLA FOSTER

A new study, led by academics from the University of Sydney in Australia, suggests the actual number to aim for is a more manageable 7,000 steps.

So, how can we increase our average daily step count?

1. PARK FURTHER AWAY

"People tend to park near their office and spend a fortune on parking. But often the cheaper or free parking spots are further away," says Andy Carr, master trainer and head of fitness for Snap Fitness UK. "Choose a parking spot further from the entrance. It might only add a minute or two to your walk but over the course of a week, it makes a difference.

"If you have a designated parking spot, I recommend getting to work 15 to 20 minutes early and going for a walk around the block."

2. TAKE WALKING MEETINGS