Even a short walk can do wonders, shows research

From exercising to following a healthy diet, everyone has goals for the new year and it is okay to feel overwhelmed at times by keeping up with fitness trends. 

However, you don't have to follow them as a research has revealed that if a person walks for a short amount of time, it can also do wonders for you. 

According to a research, 11 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per day may lower your risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease or premature death, reported CNN. 

But even if that's too much, five minutes of walk per day can provide health benefits, said Dr Andrew Freeman.

Dr Freeman, who is a director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health, recommends to aim for a 30-minute exercise in a day. This can include brisk walking and weightlifting. 

But he said that those who have just started can't find it feasible. Freeman suggests that one should engage in any form of exercise, even if it is a five-minute walking, to incorporate movement in daily routine. 

You can walk while heading towards a mall or gym, or taking stairs. CNN fitness contributor Dana Santas also suggested to go for a walk with friends. 

“Most malls open their doors early (before the actual stores open) to let walkers get their steps in by doing laps around the interior levels of the mall,” Santas said.

Dr Freeman also suggests that one should complete their walk in the morning to start your day in a positive way. He added that walking is not only good for your body but also mental health as it can help get rid of smoking, reduce anxiety and depression.