A2 reading: Walking to work

A year ago, Daniel was not very healthy. He worked in an office all day, he drove to work, and in the evenings he watched television. He often felt tired, and his back hurt. His doctor told him to do more exercise.

Daniel didn't want to join a gym, because it was expensive and he didn't have much free time. So he decided to walk to work. His office is five kilometres from his home. The first time, the walk took him over an hour and his feet hurt. But he didn't stop. After a few weeks it was easier, and now he does it in fifty minutes.

"At first I only walked on sunny days," Daniel says. "Now I walk when it rains too. I've got a good coat and good shoes, so the weather isn't a problem."

Walking has changed Daniel's life in other ways too. He sleeps better, and his back doesn't hurt any more. He saves money, because he doesn't often buy petrol for his car now. He also listens to podcasts while he walks, so he learns new things every day. Last month he listened to a podcast in Spanish, because he wants to learn the language before his holiday in Spain.

Some of Daniel's colleagues walk or cycle to work now too. Every Friday a group of them meet at a café and walk to the office together. "It's a nice way to finish the week," Daniel says. "We talk and laugh, and nobody is in a bad mood when we arrive."

Daniel still drives sometimes, for example when he has to carry something heavy. But most days, his car stays at home.