'Tis the Season to ... Walk?

According to the American Council on Exercise, time- and cost-conscious workouts are among the most popular fitness trends in 2010. Walking is one of the most popular fitness activities in the U.S. and is both time- and cost-conscious. During the winter months when walking outside is just not practical, you can still add walking into your fitness routine.

1. Use a pedometer. Pedometers measure how far you have walked in miles and also counts how many calories you have burned. They vary in price range ($5 - $219 from Walmart). Research shows that you can cover 7,499 steps a day, even without a formal sports or exercise program. Fitness experts advise to walk 10,000 steps a day. By using a pedometer, you can find out how many steps you normally walk, and then over time you can increase the amount of steps you take until you reach 10,000. This may mean, parking farther away at the grocery store, simply pacing the floors at home or walking the mall. One sure way to boost the number of your steps is to turn on peppy music. Without even thinking, you will increase the intensity of your steps and may have you walking even more!

2. Leslie Sansone's Walk at Home is the #1 indoor walk program in the world! The videos are so convenient, easy to use and are great for all types of fitness levels. Leslie Sansone also has 3 "Faith Walks" in her series. So far this year with the Walk at Home video series, I've made it ... almost 11 miles to the super Walmart! Only 4 more miles! Of course, I'll have to make it back at some point but at least there is food at Walmart. Go to www.walkathome.com and try out the 5 Minute Energy Walk (you'll walk 500 steps too!). PS: Her videos are only about $10 at Walmart!