A free NHS app could help people lose weight, improve their mood, and be more active without paying for a gym membership. The 'little-known' app encourages people to exercise more often, and it requires no gym equipment. All you need to get started is a pair of comfortable shoes and a phone.

Available on the App Store and Google Play, the NHS Active 10 app helps people improve their mental and physical health by encouraging them to walk more. It's built on the principle that a brisk 10-minute walk daily, otherwise known as your 'active 10', is associated with multiple health benefits.

The app description explains: "We all know how important it is to be active. The good news is you don’t have to go to the gym or start expensive fitness programmes, walking briskly counts too!

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"Just ten minutes of brisk walking every day can get your heart pumping and can make you feel more energetic, as well as lowering your risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Going for a brisk walk is a great way to clear your head and improve your mood.

"Active 10's are simple to fit into your day, from taking the dog out to going for a lunchtime walk there are lots of opportunities to include brisk walking into your daily routine."

To help people reach their goals, the app tracks every step and the number of brisk minutes walked, with rewards for each brisk minute. There's also a pace checker that helps people check whether they're walking at a brisk pace, and an option to set goals to track progress.

The app also lets users view up to twelve months of walking activity, and there are tips on achieving a healthier lifestyle. It's offered for free by the NHS alongside the NHS Couch to 5K app, which is generally better known than the walking version.

Walking and running are both associated with multiple health benefits, and many people might like to use both apps. However, the walking app could be ideal for people looking for low-impact exercise they can easily incorporate into their everyday routine.

The NHS Active 10 Walking Tracker has an average rating of 4.7 out of five on the App Store, with over 50k ratings. It also has an average rating of 4.5 out of five stars on Google Play, with over 10k reviews.

For instance, a reviewer shared: "An excellent and easy to use app for motivating us non-runners. A (virtual) gold cup is awarded for every brisk 10 minute walk you achieve.

"So it's nice to set a target and try to beat previous ones (with no pressure). Some days I manage only 10 minutes and other days up to 80 minutes or more. It's great to keep active and feel healthier. Highly recommended."