New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS): One-fourth of the people do not exercise, and out of those who do, walking is the most preferred form of physical activity over working out in a gym, running or swimming, reveals a survey in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

According to the Max Bupa Walk for Health Survey, 56 percent of the people find walking as the preferred exercise while 44 percent prefer to run, gym or swim. The average duration of a walk is 31 minutes.

The survey shows health is the primary concern that gets Delhiites (45 percent) to walk, followed by Bangaloreans (43 percent) and Mumbaikars (38 percent).

The survey also says one in two people feel less stressed, and one in four people feel more socially active and productive at work as a benefit of walking.

Improved digestion has been cited as the primary reason for the respondents to take up walking. It emerged as the key reason for 41 percent of the respondents.

Nearly 74 percent affirmed that sustained walking regime has helped them to feel fresh. However, long office hours, lack of walking space, excessive traffic and pre-conceived notions about walking are some of the barriers.

Interestingly, 24 percent respondents adopted walking based on the doctor's consultation.