Walking is the most natural form of movement, and an excellent all-round mode of exercise. Yet as a nation we are walking less and less. Walking can help you to:

* Improve your general health

* Get fit and stay fit

* Control your weight

* Live longer!

Walking helps protect the body from many illnesses and conditions: heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, obesity, depression, some types of diabetes, and colon cancer.

Health experts agree that 30 minutes brisk walking on most days of the week is sufficient to improve fitness. However like a lot of things in life that we are supposed to do, daily exercise can become a chore. I know from experience that repeated exercise in the same environment can be very boring. A much more enjoyable way is to vary your walks and plan different routes. If that is beyond you, why not join a walking or rambling club and then you can walk with them in the beautiful countryside, with good company.

All you need is some sensible clothing/footwear and the price of the coach fare or transport to the start of their walks (they often encourage car sharing).

This gradual start to walking can help people who feel they are not active enough to change their day to day habits through the simple activity of walking more.

If your main aim is to lose weight, you need to use more calories through physical activity than you take in as food. This means doing as much as possible: short walks, longer walks, climbing stairs - every bit of physical activity counts toward the total number of calories burned off.

If you recovering from an illness/operation and your main aim is to increase your fitness, it is important to gradually increase the intensity of your exercise. This can be achieved by coming on a short walk or part of the C walk. Then as you improve your level of fitness you can take on a B walk and eventually an A walk. For most people, walking is a safe and effective form of exercise. However, if you have any concerns or are at all worried about your health, discuss this with your doctor.

Changing lifelong habits requires determination and courage. Walking with a group of people (a walking/rambling club) can make it much easier for the next generation by introducing them to walking early in life. Families and children are usually most welcome.

Do a search on the internet search engines for walking/rambling clubs in your local area. Make contact with them and get out and do some walking. You will ache a little the first few times, but eventually you will get stronger and fitter.

Go for it!!