Fast walkers live longer.
Walking quickly can save your life
Scientists have discovered that there is a benefit to walking quickly as they are less likely to die of cancer and heart disease than those who amble along.
Data from almost 400,000 Britons studied over the course of a decade show people who class themselves as "brisk walkers" are more than a quarter less likely to die of cancer or heart disease.
The risk of passing away from cardiovascular disease was around 60 per cent lower in hasty walkers whereas the risk of dying of any other cause was about 70 per cent lower.
Dr. Jonathan Goldney, lead author of the study from the University of Leicester, said: "We encourage walkers to pick up their pace where possible, as this may just improve their life expectancy, alongside numerous other benefits to being physically active shown by previous research.
"Doctors should also consider asking their patients how quickly they walk, as it turns out that this can tell them a lot about their risk of death, which may guide the use of strategies to prevent early death and disease."