Walk to improve your health

Walk for at least 30 minutes every day--it's key for optimal health and may help prevent illnesses, like heart disease. If you can't do a full session, break it down into 5-to-10-minute walks. (You can also buy a pedometer to track your steps: aim for 10,000 per day.)

Remember: The important thing is to get the 30 minutes in every day. Don't worry about trying to walk quickly or pumping your arms to increase calorie burn. If you start to feel as though you need more of a challenge, try a more intense walking workout.

Sneak as much walking as possible into your daily routine:

• Pace while you chat on the phone.
• Suggest a family stroll after dinner.
• March in place during commercials when watching television.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Always choose the parking space that's farthest from the mall or office.
• Play tag or ring-around-the-rosy with your kids.
• Carry your laundry downstairs--and back up--in three or four separate loads.
• Meet a girlfriend for window-shopping instead of coffee.
• Do laps around the field or swimming pool during your child's sports events.

Try one of our other walking plans

Drop pounds fast!: Lose one pound a week by doing an intense workout and making small changes to your eating habits.

Lose weight at lunch: Do a 200-calorie workout before you eat.

Drop a dress size without dieting: This plan leads to slow, steady weight loss of 10 pounds or more over one year and is perfect for beginners.

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