London, July 18 (IANS) There is no need to spend hours on a treadmill to become fit, as the key to a longer life could be as simple as taking a gentle stroll for just half an hour a day.

According to experts, a daily walk to the shops can cut the risk of early death by 20 percent, reports express.co.uk.

"Our research confirms that it is not just exercising hard that is good for you. Even moderate, everyday activities like walking and cycling can have major health benefits," James Woodcock of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said.

"Just walking to the shops or walking the children to school can lengthen your life - as well as bringing other benefits for well-being and the environment," he added.

"It is a very important message to get across, that small amounts of light to moderate activity on a regular basis will have quite large benefits."

The study, carried out by researchers at Cambridge University and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, said the maximum health benefits were found in people who hardly did any physical activity.

"Large benefits were found in people going from being a couch potato to doing some activity," said Woodcock.

Diet and movement specialist Joanna Hall agreed with Woodcock and said: "This research is so encouraging because many people are under the impression that in order to incur health, fitness and weight loss benefits they need to exercise vigorously and this is simply not the case."

"The main barriers for people being more physically active are lack of time and the perception that the amount of effort required will be large. This research shows these needn't be a concern," she added.

Fitness expert Kathryn Freeland said: "Anything is better than nothing - going for a walk or playing football with the kids. There is no need to join a gym."