by John Barden

Created on: January 16, 2009

Sexual vitality. Sharp mental clarity and purpose. A calm and ordered emotional life. Increased physical endurance. Spiritual peace and harmony. Improved circulation and digestion. Fluidity of motion. A more alligned and supple spine. Greater agility and flexibility. Better reflexes. A leaner body with well-toned calves and abs. Lower blood pressure, lower heart rate and lower levels of bad cholesterol. Higher levels of good cholesterol. Healthy looking, glowing skin. A general and genuine experience of well-being and self-confidence. A sense of personal empowerment and control. A happier and more positive approach to life.

Were any of these on your 'must have' or 'must achieve' list this past New Year's Day? Do they all seem hopelessly out of reach, or too time consuming, or impossibly complex and even expensive? Well, not to worry. There's nothing here to beat yourself up over. In fact, I guarantee you can have them all - just for the walking.

I don't promise instant, total, complete or absolute anything, especially fitness. When I hear these modifiers attached to any claim, I run - not walk - the other way. There's no such thing.

But if you want to steadily, incrementally, inexorably improve your overall health and vitality starting now, put down this article, dress appropriately, don a comfortable pair of shoes and go out for a walk. You can finish reading when you get back.

Now...how was that? No matter how long or short your walk was, no matter how brisk or leisurely, no matter what you saw or heard along the way, or where you walked, or who you met and spoke to, you have taken the first steps on a journey that, if you continue, will serve you well for the rest of your days. I hope you feel a little flushed and a bit out of breath. Your heart will thank you for it (it loves the extra workout), as will your brain (it's producing endorphins and firing neurons at such a rate you feel alive again).

Look, I'm not going to waste my time or yours by laboring over the obvious: proper nutrition and daily exercise are the essential components of a well-balanced, healthy life.

If you do nothing else in the way of a physical fitness program, I encourage you to continue to walk your way to wellness. You'll thank yourself now, and in the years to come.

P.S. Invest in an inexpensive pedometer for added motivation. They usually come with a simple computer program so you can download and track your progress. You won't want to miss a day. I'm approaching the five hundred mile mark, and am just amazed!

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