If you're having trouble getting your exercise program started, try just easing into it by starting to walk. This won't take much of your time or money and you can start today!

Half the battle is just getting started. You can easily conquer that by just going out for a ten-minute walk—today! Don't put it off because you don't have the time, or because you don't have the money to buy equipment. Those excuses won't fly for this. Just get out and take a walk!

If you haven't exercised for a while, start with just ten to fifteen minutes three days per week. *Gradually* build up to 30 to 60 minutes, five to seven days per week. If you're like most people, you'll start to really enjoy this time and you'll love the way it makes you feel.

Around this time of year there are lots of short (two to six mile) walking and running competitions and also similar events for charities. These are GREAT motivation for you to train (walk) on a regular basis and it gives you a goal to work toward. Many of my clients use competitions, one after another, to stay motivated and focused on their goals.

Now, don't think you have to be in great shape or be able to walk really fast to do these. In fact, how you compare to others is not the issue here. The issue is you working consistently toward a goal, and getting fit and healthy as you do that.

Check local sports and bicycle shops for fliers announcing upcoming walking / running events. Send in your registration now so that you're committed to it. Start training for it (walking) and write down what you plan to do each week to be ready for the big day.

Chances are you'll get hooked on this stuff. Once you've achieved that goal find another event and start training for that.

Here's what Becky did..

At age 46 I was not going to let my weight consume my life anymore. I am very goal oriented so you suggested that I set exercise goals of participating in walking competitions.

I planned to do a 3.1-mile walk that was almost three months away. I walked daily following all of your instructions on how to train for it.

It felt so good to finish that race even though I was still about 200 pounds and came in third to last out of about 150 people. I knew at that point that I would be successful at losing every pound I wanted to lose.

My next two goals were a 6.2-mile walk and my ultimate goal was to walk a marathon, 26.2 miles. I achieved the 6.2-mile race goal a couple of months after the 3.1 and I was still almost last to finish, but that didn't matter. A few months earlier I couldn't walk down my driveway without huffing and puffing.

Last fall I did it. I walked a marathon. My family is still amazed at my accomplishments. It was so much fun. When I crossed that finish line, the feeling was incredible.

Oh, I lost over 100 pounds in the process of all this training. Thanks again, Greg, for all your help. Becky, Houston, TX

Get Movin'!

Author and exercise physiologist, Greg Landry, offers free weight loss and fitness articles and newsletters at his web site.  Join the club—The "Weight Loss and Fitness Insider Club". mailto:ClubInfo@Landry.com Ultimate nutrition for you and your children. mailto:Nutrition@Landry.com