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A great many people avoid taking exercise as they suppose that it will be too much physical effort for them. It's a bit of a vicious circle where it's easy to imagine that you need to already have a certain level of fitness and endurance capability in order to get really fit. When you think about it, it's no wonder that many of us make a mental link between getting fit and getting sweaty and out of breath.

Conversely, many people find it difficult to believe that a low impact, low intensity workout - based around activity which most people do every day without thinking about it - could deliver very significant health benefits and help you to make significant improvements to your overall level of health and fitness. However, that is precisely what walking, a low impact form of exercise which requires no special equipment, expertise or training, can do for you.

When you look at the health benefits that walking can deliver, your feelings of disbelief are only likely to increase. Walking can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke whilst simultaneously improving the efficiency of the lungs. It can help to lower your blood pressure. It can help to fight depression, boost your energy levels and help you to sleep better at night. It can help to reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer. Recent studies in the UK even seem to suggest that it may be effective in fighting Alzheimer's disease. It can certainly help you to get in shape and lose weight.

Looking at that list you would be forgiven for thinking that it was an advert for some expensive new dietary supplement or even the latest miracle drug. No wonder that it's difficult to credit. It's also worth mentioning that - apart from a comfy pair of shoes - you don't need any special equipment to get started on a walking exercise routine. Neither will it cost you any money - there are no expensive gym membership fees to pay each month. You also have the convenience of being able to fit it into your day whenever it suits you best.

Health professionals seem to agree that we should be targeting 10,000 steps a day on a regular basis in order to get the health benefits previously discussed. That equivalent to just under five miles for most people, although it depends upon your stride length somewhat. It sounds like a fair old distance - but it's easier to achieve than you think. Walk to work and leave the car at home. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Get off the bus a stop before your destination and walk the last leg of your journey. These are just a few examples of ways to increase your daily step count - there are plenty more, and they all add up.

If you have any medical conditions, if you're over forty years old, or if you just haven't exercised for a while, then do seek the advice of your doctor prior to embarking on any new fitness routine. However, as long as you exercise a little common sense and start off slowly, walking will deliver you many health benefits.

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