Athleticism has always been one of my strong points. Name the sport and I could either play it or knew something about it. I was the kid growing up who had all the Sports Illustrated covers on his bedroom walls. I've been most fortunate to remain relatively healthy through the years.

I'm of medium frame and like most baby boomers gradually added weight over the years, though not enough to be considered obese. I slowly began to realize that for some diabolical reason, pant manufacturer's seemed to be adjusting their size charts upwards. Ridiculous, me trying on a pair 36 inch slacks!

Many objections and excuses later, I finally admitted I was getting sort of round in the middle. Never fond of gyms for a number of reasons, mainly because I usually ended up paying dearly for my infrequent use, I knew I wasn't looking for any prolonged strenuous activity to indulge in. My aging, cracking knees were not having it.

While patiently considering which route to take, well I did have to think about it, fate decided to intervene. The transmission in my likewise aging car took a dive one month before Christmas.

I could walk the twenty five minutes to work or I could bus it. I decided to try the walk. Uphill going, downhill coming back. The first couple of weeks were trying to say the least. The wrong shoes translated into sore feet and the knees had to readjust to the constant pounding. I did cheat and hopped on the bus a couple of times going home, but I was starting to feel better and stronger.

After about a month and a new pair of walking shoes, I discovered a fresh a bounce in my step, even on the colder days. But after a day of work, I was just glad the way home was mostly all downhill.

After just two months, I surprisingly began to get compliments on my weight loss, my paunch was truly disappearing! All of a sudden I was tightening my belt more. I then made a conscious decision to take further action. I added thirty five push-ups a day to my routine and cut back to two meals a day. But my last bite of the night continued to be a sweet, satisfying Hershey's chocolate bar.

I also cut back somewhat on the beef and ate more chicken and salads. Unfortunately, I'm allergic to fish.

Four months later I was down to 158lbs from 178lbs and my waist size had dropped to 32in. from 36in. I felt more energetic and looked like I'd lost a couple of years. Compliments from friends and family who hadn't seen me in a while were immediate and numerous.

Internally my heart and lungs better off, I definitely had more stamina, and I looked and felt much healthier. What I considered before an exercise for wimps, had converted me into not just a believer of the many benefits of walking, I was now a champion advocate.

Learn more about this author, Scott Seldon.
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