Many people of all ages find themselves wishing they could get into better physical shape, but they don’t know where to start. Going to a gym can be expensive and intimidating, while trying to work out with videotapes at home can be boring and repetitive.

Why not begin a walking program? Walking for fitness has many advantages. It is easy to get started and you won’t need to purchase any special equipment or commit to a long-term fitness club membership. All that is really needed is a good pair of walking shoes that fit properly and give the right support. If you don’t own a such a pair already, you can easily find a reasonably priced pair at your local shoe store or other retail outlet. Ask a salesperson for help in finding a pair that are comfortable, give good support, and are appropriate for walking longer distances.

While certainly not necessary for success, there are some accessories that can help you make the most of your walking program. Pedometers, for example, will help you keep track of how many steps you take, and some of them will also let you know how much distance you’ve covered. Most pedometers also feature a stopwatch function for timing your walk. Depending on the number of features, pedometers can range in cost from under $10 for a basic model to $30 and up for models with extra features such as heart rate monitor, calorie counter, etc.

One other thing to keep in mind before you begin is this: always remember to stretch before and after your walk. It only takes a few minutes and will keep you from cramping up as well as help increase your flexibility.

The first step towards making your new fitness program a success is creating a plan about where and when you will walk. Ideally, try to fit walking into your schedule at least four times a week. Consider four to be your minimum number of walking occasions. If you are able to fit in one or two more, go for it.

Don’t worry about how fast or how far you are able to walk at first. Instead, concentrate on making your new fitness regimen a priority and not making excuses to avoid a planned workout.