While walking a lot – and trying to push the pace on some of your walks – can all help to increase your walking pace overtime, doing some extra training sessions dedicated to improving your walking speed can make a world of difference.

The most important thing you need to do to boost your speed is to strengthen and grow the muscles in your legs and hips. In short, bigger muscles = more power = faster speed.

1. Interval training

There are several ways to do this, Parkinson explains. The first involves good old-fashioned interval training. “Exposing your body to short bursts of energy or pace, followed by some time to recover, can help to strengthen the muscles involved in walking,” she says.

“On your next walk – whether outdoors or on a treadmill – try imagining you’re a bit late for something and speed up your pace for 10–30 seconds. Then take a minute or two at your regular pace. Repeat this five times per session.”

2. Resistance exercises

Whether you’re an experienced gym-goer or prefer to do bodyweight exercises at home, doing regular, targeted resistance training will help you to increase your walking pace.

“These exercises ensure that we’re strong, mobile and that our joints stay healthy,” Parkinson explains. “Lunges or split squats are particularly beneficial as they’re a unilateral exercise strengthening one leg at a time and work your coordination and balance.”

How to train yourself to walk faster, according to a personal trainer