The benefits of exercise are well documented. Lose weight, feel fitter, have a healthier heart and generally feel good. But is your treadmill getting moldy in the basement, or is it being used as a clothes horse? Do you know which box in your garage has your thigh master which hasn't seen the light of day since the last time you moved? For how long did you keep your gym membership after you made it there the first five times?

The problem with exercise is that it can be fun to start with. You're enthusiastic and motivated but after a while it becomes really boring and a chore. That's what makes walking such a great choice for getting your daily exercise. You're not stuck in one place or on a single piece of equipment. The world is your oyster, (or at least your neighborhood), and you can walk where ever you choose.

Fitting a good walk into your day is easy too. You can take a brisk stroll during lunch and there's your daily workout. Walking is simple, fun good for you and you don't need any special equipment or a trip to the gym. Hey it gets better, if you get bored with your local sights why not visit a nearby park and walk there instead. You can choose where and when you want to walk.

If you feel the need for some company, then why not turn your daily walk into a social activity? If you walk at lunchtime try forming a walking club and go walking with others from work. It can be a great opportunity to get to know your colleagues in a friendly and relaxed environment. Maybe you can meet up with some neighborhood Moms or Dads for an evening walk, once their partners are home to keep an eye on the kids. If the kids are old enough why take them with you so that they get exercise too.

Check out your local shopping mall. Many now organize walking groups and do a few laps of the mall every day for exercise, usually before the mall opens. Check out the bargains and get exercise, does it get better than that? If you join a mall-walking group, you'll make new friends and have people to chat to as you're getting your daily exercise. And the weather isn't a problem as it never rains inside the mall! If like me you still prefer the great outdoors then consider joining a local hiking or walking club. These groups have regularly walks in your area and organize special trips to other areas so that you can experience different environments and the wonders of nature. You will meet new people who share your enthusiasm for walking and even make lifelong friends...

Walking is a great way to clear your head and relieve the stresses of modern day living. So much stuff builds up in your head during the day, whether its things you need to get done, or ideas that require some thought, or issues with your boss or partner. You will find that your daily walk is a great time to sort all those thoughts out and process them without interruption. I often carry a notepad and pen with me! It's nice to breathe deeply, get away from the daily hustle and bustle, and then slowly unwind. Even better, you’re getting fitter and healthier with every walk you take. I don’t know about you but I'd much rather look at trees and flowers than stare at my basement walls or the walls of a gym.

Walking is very easy to take up too! All you really need to get started is some comfortable shoes and clothing. If you like the social aspect of going for a walk, why not grab a few friends and take them with you on your walk. Find different places to walk in your neighborhood and you’ll discover places you never knew existed, right from your own door step. Take up walking today you’ll be glad you did!