by Joel Dennison

Created on: May 18, 2009   Last Updated: May 22, 2009

"I'm too tired." "I don't have time." "It costs too much." Do these excuses sound familiar? Everyone knows that exercise is important-doubly so if you can't find the time to eat right either. Would an hour at the gym everyday leave us all looking and feeling a lot better? Of course it would. But you don't need to make the trip to your local fitness center, plunk down money for memberships or equipment, or even take that much time out of your day to reap most of the same benefits.

The best exercise in the world costs nothing, is easy for any fitness level, and can fit into any part of your day: walking. It doesn't burn the most calories, but if you're having trouble getting in the habit of being active, then it's the perfect place to start. Start with a mile at a time. If you drive or ride to work or class, then park a mile away and walk the remainder of the distance. Or grab a portable lunch and take your break on the go. See if you can walk to the store instead of driving (walking while carrying groceries will burn even more calories!). Unlike jogging (or most other exercise), it probably won't make you sweaty, so you don't have to take extra time out to shower or change afterward.

There are two keys to keeping this routine. The first is to avoid making excuses. Is it raining? Invest in a good umbrella or poncho. Has it snowed? Get a good pair of boots and a warm coat. Stuck with the kids? Take them along! Even if they can't walk alongside you, pushing a stroller on your walk certainly won't hurt. The second key is to make your walks enjoyable. Do you like photography? Bring along a camera and take pictures of interesting objects along your route. Or a sketch pad. If you're in a relationship, make your outings into dates; a long walk never fails to draw out conversation. Taking a walk is also a great way to explore your hometown; you'd be surprised at the places you miss just riding around in a car.

When you've maintained a steady walking schedule every day, try adding some challenges. Go hiking with friends. Sign up for a walk for charity and support a good cause. See how many floors of stairs you can climb at work. Try jogging for stretches of your walks. Take up biking to expand the distance you can cover. Above all, remember to keep it fun. Enjoy the world as you pass it by. Take in every smell, sound, and sight. Use the time as a period of reflection and relaxation. Or, if you don't find that stimulating enough, take along some portable music or an audio-book. Remember, if exercise is stressful, you're doing it wrong. Before you know it, you'll have more energy, you'll be sleeping better, and you may even lose that tummy your former on-again-off-again relationship with the local gym failed to touch.

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