PTs Agree: These Are The 6 Best 10-minute Walking Workouts

A woman doing one of the best 10 minute walking workouts

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 18 March 2025

Here at MC UK, we're all about exercise that is accessible, attainable, and fun - which is exactly why we've loved seeing the rise in popularity of walking workouts over the last couple of years.

Because yes, walking is a workout, and there's countless research that has proven how good walking is for our health. And some of the best indoor walking workouts (or outdoor, for that matter), don't need to take up much time at all. In fact, PTs have confirmed that 10-minute walking workouts can do us a world of good.

"10-minute walking workouts are perfect for breaking up long periods of sitting, reducing stiffness and improving circulation," Jenni Tardiff, master trainer at The Gym Group confirms. "And if you're consistent with your walking workouts, they'll also help contribute to maintaining your heart health."

We're no stranger to putting indoor walking workouts to the test (and experiencing great results with them, FYI), but if we can experience benefits from just ten minutes of walking, then that's even better - ten minutes is all we can get on some days, after all.

And if you're thinking that surely, a 10-minute walking workout can't do that much - well, the science says otherwise. A recent study conducted at the University of Leicester suggested that adding the equivalent of a ten minute brisk walk to the daily routine of inactive men and women (aged 60 and above) was associated with a noticeable increase in life expectancy. That's pretty compelling evidence in our books.

So if you're short on time, then the best 10-minute walking workouts might just be your new best friend. And it's not just physical benefits that you can expect to gain either, as personal trainer Luke Hughes points out. "Walking is great for our mental health because it increases endorphins, which improves our mood. That's why 10-minute walking workouts are such a great mood booster."

If that sounds good to you, then you're in the right place. Below are the top 10-minute walking workouts recommended by PTs, that you can start doing instantly. And if walking is your favourite way to exercise, you'll want to catch our take on the 6-6-6 walking challenge and walking yoga, as well as the best indoor walking challenges and indoor walking exercises. You're so welcome.

10-minute walking workouts making working out a joy - 6 to try

What are 10-minute walking workouts?

"10-minute walking workouts are exactly that," Tardiff says. "They're short, 10-minute walks that help you get fitter, burn some calories, and boost your mood. You can do them outside, on a treadmill, or even a walking pad."

As the name suggests, a 10-minute walking workout is anything that involves walking over the course of ten minutes. And there's a surprising number of ways to do a 10-minute walking workout, as you'll see later.

"A 10-minute walking workout is a short, straightforward, and effective form of exercise using different types of walking: slow, brisk, incline, or speed walking," advocates Samuel Quinn, personal training lead at Nuffield Health. "In addition to simply walking, different types of marching, stepping, intervals, and resistance can be added to your walk to increase intensity and gain a variety of health and fitness benefits."

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What are the benefits of 10-minute walking workouts?

Walking for just ten minutes can do a surprising amount for our health. Below are five key benefits we can experience from 10-minute walking workouts, as outlined by the experts.

1. They combat the effects of a sedentary lifestyle

We all know that sitting for long periods of time isn't good for us, but it's sadly a reality that many of us have to face. The good news is that 10-minute walking workouts are great for combatting the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, as Vitality health and wellness coach Andrew Isaac explains.

"Short bursts of activity throughout the day can help boost your metabolism, improve circulation, and prevent risks like obesity and type two diabetes which are associated with a sedentary lifestyle," he told MC UK.

Personal trainer Quinn agrees. "With as little as 10 minutes of walking per day, research has shown that a sedentary person can increase physical fitness and reduce the risk of premature death by 15%."

2. They're an accessible form of exercise

Exercise needs to be accessible for us to experience its benefits, and it doesn't get much more accessible than walking. It's free, low-impact, and easy to do - especially when you know you're only going to be walking for ten minutes.

"Walking is low-impact, suitable for all fitness levels and super accessible, making it easy to fit into your day," Tardiff agrees.

3. They're a great energy boost

"One of the main benefits of 10-minute walking workouts is that they give you an energy boost by increasing oxygen levels and blood circulation," says PT Hughes notes.

"When you walk, your heart rate gradually increases, resulting in your cardiovascular system pumping more oxygen-rich blood to your brain and muscles. And your lungs also take in more oxygen as you breathe deeper, further fuelling cells and increasing energy."

Having recently done a 10-minute power walk every day for a week, I can personally vouch for this. Just ten minutes of fast walking in the morning was enough to make me feel invigorated and more energised throughout the day.

4. They help improve cardiovascular health

It's vital that we look after our cardiovascular health - i.e., the health of our heart and blood vessels - with regular cardio activity. And the cardiovascular benefits of walking are widely acknowledged. Research has found that walking can reduce cardiovascular risk factors, for example.

Plus, many 10-minute walking workouts involve fast-paced walking, which is a sure way to get our heart rate up. And anything that increases our heart rate is great for our cardiovascular health.

5. And, they can work wonders for our mental health

Last but definitely not least, 10-minute walking workouts can be wonderfully beneficial for our mental health. Take this study as proof, which found that a home-based walking program led to significant reductions in anxiety, depression and stress, in conjunction with group cognitive behavioural therapy.

"Walking is great for our mental health because it increases endorphins, which improves our mood," PT Hughes confirms.

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Shop MC UK approved walking gear now

Like a Cloud Longline Bra

Light-support sports bras are perfect for walking workouts. This one from lululemon was designed for yoga and casual wear, with marshmallowy-soft foam cups to keep us comfortable. I also love the range of shades available.

Keen Women's Targhee 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

Renown for making reliable walking shoes at an attainable price point, KEEN are a pretty safe bet if you're looking to upgrade your walking attire. The women's Targhee shoes are completely waterproof, and sturdy enough to handle any terrain.

Monday Headband Set - Black/ivory

Monday Body is a brand that's recently come onto my radar, and I'm loving their workout apparel and accessories. I love both of these headbands for their cool, simple designs. Plus, when we whip the hair out of the face and keep our vision clear, we set ourselves up for a better walking workout.

How often should you do 10-minute walking workouts?

Because 10-minute walking workouts are quite a short form of exercise, aim to do them once a day.

"As they can be carried out in as little as ten minutes, they’re easy to fit around a busy schedule," Tardiff from The Gym Group says. "Walking is low impact, making it safe to do frequently. The more you can get moving, the greater the benefits."

But, anything is better than nothing, and you shouldn't stress if some days feel just too busy to fit in a 10-minute walking workout. And if you're doing other forms of exercise alongside, two to three times a week is enough.

Katie Sims is a freelance journalist who writes about a variety of topics for publications including Woman&Home, Liz Earle Wellbeing, Who What Wear, and Ideal Home. She graduated with a Master's in Media and Journalism in 2021 and has been writing engaging digital content ever since. Her biggest passion is all things health and wellness, and she's tested fitness devices, workout methods, and nutritional advice to see what can help her (and others) feel good from the inside out. She's also a lover of beauty, particularly skincare. When she's not writing health and wellness content, she'll either be on a long walk, at a Pilates class, or tackling her long list of books to read.