We welcome debate about how much exercise is required for a healthy life (The era of gentle exercise is over, August 17) but the Ramblers' Association recommends that people still set at least 30 minutes of brisk exercise, such as walking, five times a week as their goal. With almost 70% of the population not reaching this minimum, we have developed a 12-week Get Walking course for the inactive, especially in areas with the greatest health gap. People respond well to the 30 minutes, five times a week goal, and many quickly achieve it. Walking is free and can be easily built into people's busy everyday lives. It doesn't require specialist equipment or costly gym membership and neither does it exclude the very old or the very young. With obesity rising, we need to offer realistic goals to tackle it.
Chief executive, Ramblers' Association
While exercise can help reduce blood pressure and improve physical fitness, it is also worth adding that by being physically active we can also help reduce our cancer risk. Yet even though the science is well established, a recent survey commissioned by World Cancer Research Fund showed that two-thirds of people in Britain are unaware of this link. This highlights the importance of getting the message across that we should all be incorporating physical activity into our lives as much as possible. This does not necessarily mean joining the gym, but can be about making simple changes like taking the stairs instead of using the lift. By making small changes to our lifestyle, you can make a big difference.
General manager, World Cancer Research Fund