1.They involve more than just walking on the spot

‘Grow With Jo’s indoor walking workout involved six-seven moves – like punches and standing crunches – with adequate rest breaks where you would be walking on the spot to keep your heart rate up. Once you’ve done all six-seven moves, you then work back down to the first, with walking in between, so you know what to expect throughout the workout, but without being bored,’ Nelson says.

2. They’re convenient

‘This is definitely a good cardio workout if you need something low-impact – where was this in early quarantine? I was doing Chloe Ting instead. I’d highly recommend you try it. I feel like I’ve just been to the gym without even leaving my apartment,’ says Nelson.

3. They’re harder than they look

Nelson says she underestimated how hard indoor walking workouts can be

As Nelson comes to the end of her workout, she says, ‘I’m dripping in sweat. I underestimated the walking. I am pleasantly surprised by how good I feel after that workout. I didn’t expect to sweat as much as I currently am.’

4. They’re a solid form of cardio

Indoor walking workouts can increase your heart rate and improve cardio health

Nelson shares her Apple Watch stats: ‘For that 20-minute low-impact indoor walking workout, I burned 186 calories, and my average heart was 145bpm. I average 130-145 when I go outside and go for a walk, so this was awesome.’

5. They require coordination, but they’re relatively easy to follow

‘You think I’m joking about my poor coordination; this is not a joke. I have horrible coordination, truly. I was born with no rhythm. But these moves were relatively easy to follow even without coordination,’ says Nelson.

6. Instructors don’t always talk you through the workouts – you can follow along using a timer and music

Some indoor walking workouts can be followed with a timer and music

Nelson’s final thoughts? ‘I like it when the instructor doesn’t talk, so this was great – she didn’t talk, played great music, and the routine was easy to follow.’

The expert: Kate Neudecker is a qualified PT and fitness writer.

• They’re free
• They’re convenient and can be done at home
• They’re accessible for all levels – read on for progressions and modifications
• They’re low-impact
• They boost cardiovascular health
• They can improve blood sugar regulation and ease perimenopausal symptoms
• They improve mood and reduce stress
• They ease joint pain by producing synovial fluid to lubricate your joints
• They build muscle strength
• They’re pre and postnatal-friendly

• Reduce the pace and go at your own speed
• Miss out every other strength exercise (if these are included in your indoor walking workout)
• Use a walking pole or balance stick if you struggle with balance
• Perform only the first half of your chosen indoor walking workout until you feel confident to complete the whole session

1.20-minute indoor walking workout with Grow With Jo