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Grappling with a bit of exercise guilt?

In a world obsessed with high-intensity workouts, boutique fitness classes, and the latest fitness trends, it’s easy to forget about the most fundamental—and arguably most effective—form of exercise: walking.

Yup, the age-old act of putting one foot in front of the other is not just a leisurely pastime, but a powerhouse of health benefits, both physical and mental. It’s the most underrated exercise on the planet.

The recommended number of steps a day for good health is 6,000. Push it to 15,000 and you’re in fat-loss territory. Plus you can do it while enjoying a good long gossip with a pal or catching up on your favourite podcast.

Here are some of our favourite fitness finds this week: 

Get comfy

If you love the feel of premium brands leggings such as Lululemon, but you’re not wild about the cost, these are an excellent dupe – and less than half the price.

CRZ YOGA Women’s Butterluxe 25” Gym Leggings are buttery soft, high-waisted and have pockets. Plus they come in 28 colours at €37.89. Check them out here.

Add some weight

Wearing wrist or ankle weights while you walk is an easy way to burn extra calories and tone up your arms and legs as you stroll. We love this stylish set of 1lb and 2lb weights (you get two per set for €35.60 here).

Level up your listening

A good playlist or a juicy podcast can be just the thing to help you keep going and get your steps in while walking.

If you’re on the hunt for a low-cost set of decent headphones, these Drsaec wireless earbuds get thousands of four and five star reviews on Amazon. Customers appreciate the sound quality and find them easy to connect to phones and long-lasting when charged.

Plus they’re on sale now  at €24.44 (20% off) over here.

Be alert 

Whether you like to get your steps in at night, early in the morning, or on quiet roads or countryside, don’t let safety concerns stop you from exercising when you want. Get yourself a Birdie. The original personal safety alarm for women by women, this light little key-chain gadget emits a LOUD siren and a flashing strobe light that’s designed to startle and potentially deter an attacker.

To activate it if you feel you might be in danger, all you do is remove the top pin. To deactivate, replace it. The alarm can be used multiple times; batteries are replaceable and last 40 continual minutes. Good news: the Birdie is 20% off right now – get one for €22.50 now here.

Keep it clean 

Love a big muddy walk in the great outdoors but not so crazy about the muddy boots afterwards? Keep a Bootclaw Pocket Mud Scraper in your pocket, in your car or near the door at home. This thing’s curved claws dig out compacted mud from runners, hiking boots, football/rugby studs and wellies.

It’s made from super tough plastic that’s impossible to snap so it’s unbreakable too. The Bootclaw is €9.74 over here.

Pack right

Still schlepping your runners to work in a plastic bag so you can nip out for a walk or a run at lunchtime? Level up for 2025 with a Pack All Water Resistant Shoe Bag. These durable bags are waterproof, lightweight and secure your shoes inside, keeping everything else clean.

The handle means it can be popped on a coat hook to grab on the way out the door in the morning too. Pack Alls comes in loads of cute colours and they’re on sale right now over here.

Be seen 

Reflective armbands and vests are a necessity on murky mornings and dark nights, but if you hit the roads and footpaths a lot after dark, it’s a good idea to invest in something more effective. The MEOLIGHT is a powerful, versatile multipurpose light that mounts to fabric and metal to light up your way and keep you safe.

The ultra-bright 500 lumens LED light is brilliant for nighttime walks. Order one for around €30 here.

Just a heads-up! From time to time, you’ll spot affiliate links to products we love on yaycork.ie. This means that if you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.