Most people talk of fitness, but there are very few who practice it as a way of life. One of the best ways to exercise and adopt fitness on a long term basis successfully is to walk every day, at least for an hour or so. As far as exercises go, it’s pretty underrated, but there are reasons why walking was, is, and will always remain one of the best forms of working out.

• If you’re new to the world of exercise, walking is just the friend you need to welcome you without the aches and pains that are usually associated with working out for the first time.

• It’s the best form of exercise if you’re overweight and do not have the stamina for anything more strenuous.

• It’s a great way to begin each day, out in the fresh air before the sun comes up.

• When done briskly and at a constant pace, walking helps burn a large amount of calories and contributes to your weight loss efforts.

• It helps manage diabetes and is one of the safest forms of exercise for the elderly and those who cannot expend too much energy.

• Walking helps boost your blood circulation, improves energy levels, and prevents a host of diseases including cardiac arrests, strokes, high cholesterol, blood pressure, constipation, depression, insomnia and impotence.

• It’s a great stress buster.

• It keeps your heart healthy because it’s a cardiovascular activity, one that boosts your heart rate and gets it pumping.

• It trains your heart, lungs and muscles to work more effectively.

• It helps build positive relationships, either with your spouse or your significant other.

• It boosts your metabolism when you do it regularly and helps you burn calories even when you’re not active.

• It keeps you fit and prevents you from getting out of breath each time you need to do something as simple as climb a flight of stairs.

• It does not put additional stress on your knees as jogging does, and a brisk walk can burn as many calories as a slow jog does.

• It’s free; you don’t have to spend a whole lot of money on expensive gym memberships and personal trainers.

• You don’t have to shell out money on any equipment except comfortable clothes and a good pair of shoes.

• It can be done at any time of the day, even in a limited space.

• It’s an activity that can include even a baby and is thus ideal for new mothers wanting to get back into shape – it’s easy to walk carrying a baby strapped to your back (burns more calories and helps you lose more weight) or pushing a stroller.

So if you’re thinking of getting on the road to fitness, begin by taking the walking route – there are more than enough reasons to guarantee success.