| From the day we are born our parents look forward | | | | head outside. They came in a variety of configurations, |
| to our first steps. There is a reason we don't usually | | | | but if you can find it and afford it one that inclines and |
| take those first steps until 9 - 10 months. During that | | | | allows for a varied degree of difficulty during the work |
| time we are building the muscle and stamina to get the | | | | out is best. This will simulate the change in terrain just |
| job done. It is this same simple action, walking, that | | | | as if you were walking through the neighborhood, up |
| should be the cornerstone in your fitness routine.For | | | | and down hills, etc.An added benefit it is a walk can be |
| starters it is very simple and with few exceptions, | | | | a good time to reconnect. Ask a friend to join you on |
| most people can do it. Again we all learn from very | | | | occasion or as a regular partner. Take the dog or the |
| young how to walk. It is both a cardio workout as well | | | | kid with you, making sure that you set the pace and |
| as muscle building for the legs and arms if included in | | | | not them. If you have access to a portable cassette |
| the action. Don't just walk with your arms at your side; | | | | or CD player it can be a good time to listen to a |
| swing them naturally with the motion. For increased | | | | fictional book or self improvement program. This way |
| results add simple weights to your hands, wrists, and | | | | you improve your mind and body at the same |
| or ankles. Since you don't need any extra equipment it | | | | time.Once you have built up your walking skills there |
| is very convenient to do at work during lunch, during | | | | are other outlets for this exercise. Hiking has long been |
| vacation, etc.The key is to start small and increase the | | | | a popular activity. Start with some simple marked trails |
| amount you walk over time. Start in your neighborhood. | | | | in the local park and work your way up. Also, most |
| If you are out of shape just start by walking down the | | | | every weekend there is a charity event that includes a |
| block and back. Do that three times a week and | | | | walk or running event. This will allow you to help others |
| every other week add an additional block to the | | | | while you help yourself physically. That is just good for |
| routine. You will steadily build your stamina and | | | | the soul.Walking can be a simple way to start an |
| endurance.The most common piece of exercise | | | | exercise program or be a complete program in and of |
| equipment owned in America (besides spandex biker | | | | itself. Just get started and build on your progress. A |
| shorts - just kidding) is a treadmill. These can be | | | | final reminder, before starting any diet or exercise |
| purchased relatively cheap at second hand exercise | | | | program consult with your physician to determine what |
| equipment stores or on ebay. The great part is that | | | | is right for you. Good luck and good health.Simon Volk |
| you no longer have the weather as an excuse. If it is | | | | has been a contributing author for websites and is an |
| raining or snowing, just hop on the treadmill instead of | | | | acknowledged expert in the field of health and fitness. |