Tired of feeling out of sorts? Start walking! Walking is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise and you can do it almost anywhere, any time, and it's free!

The recognized health benefits of walking regularly are vast: reduces risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases; reduces stress; helps in weight control; improves muscle tone and cardio fitness.

Walking for exercise doesn't need to be strenuous to produce results. Walking for just 30 minutes a day has been reported to produce measurable benefits, even among those who are less active.

Tips for walking for exercise:

·        Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

·        Protect yourself from the sun with the appropriate clothes, sunglasses, a hat and sun block.

·        Drink plenty of fluids before and after your walk.

·        If you are taking a long walk, take water with you.

·        Walk with a friend and combine exercise with a visit.

·        Join a local walking club.

·        If you have a medical condition, are overweight or over 40 years of age or haven't exercised regularly for a long time, check with your doctor before you start any type of exercise program.