If you usually take the car to work but want to increase your fitness why not consider buying some walking footwear and walking to the workplace?

According to business expert and international speaker Roger Harrop, walking – or cycling – to work "without doubt" offers a host of benefits.

If you walk or cycle to work, you not only experience the benefits of being outside and endorphin release, but you can also take the opportunity to quietly look at, and think about, the big picture of your job and plan what you are going to focus on when you get to work," he said.

"This will improve your productivity, stress levels and wellbeing," Mr Harrop added.

Much current research suggests developing ways of getting around that aim to reduce car usage should be considered as methods for increasing physical activity among the workforce.

Recent research from Bristol University found that walking and cycling among employees showed a year-on-year increase between 1998 and 2007.

In total, walking increased from 19 to 30 per cent and cycling more modestly from seven to 12 per cent.

Mr Harrop added also said that walking or cycling is much more preferable when compared to alternative modes of transport.

"Compare this with the concentration needed to drive to work in busy traffic, or commuting by train and tube, with stale air and your private space invaded," he said.