WALKING to health

Colder weather doesn't have to stop you getting outdoors. Boost your wellbeing and fitness by walking in a winter wonderland

- TANYA PEAREY

The harsh winter weather can drive us indoors but it can boost our wellbeing to get outside on days when the weather isn't too bad. Just make sure you dress for the conditions – wrap up warm when it's cold, and have the correct footwear to keep you stable and safe when the going is less than perfect.

'Walking is one of the best ways to get your recommended 150 minutes a week of physical activity,' says Lisa Purcell, physical activity specialist at the British Heart Foundation. 'Regular moderate-intensity walking can help reduce your risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.' It's also great for your mood and sleep. Being outdoors gives you a hit of health-boosting vitamin D, essential for strong immunity, plus exposure to natural daylight helps regulate our circadian rhythm and has an impact on our sleep-wake cycle, improving our sleep quality and super-charging our energy.

Colder temperatures are believed to activate brown adipose tissue (BAT), which is more metabolically active than our regular white adipose tissue. This means, when we exercise in colder temperatures, it can result in more calories burnt and better glucose management.