No matter where you are, fitness is all around you.

I promise it doesn’t just hide in the gym all day.

But before you can see it, you have to want to see it. And even when you do see it, you have to have enough love for yourself to go after it. I suggest you start by taking a look outside.

Whatever your personal fitness goals are there is something outside just waiting for you. It’s as easy as picking your favorite spot in your neighborhood and walking to it.

Sounds easy–and kind of fun–right?

Here’s the thing: everybody walks. It’s a known fact. Grab a friend, neighbor, significant other and get moving. Exercising with a friend is always more fun. This time of year is perfect for a morning and/or evening walk. Not too hot. Not too cold. And the trees are just about starting to turn all those beautiful colors that are just so darn good at distracting us from the burn in our legs.

Important tips to go by when heading out for a walk:

1. Remember you are exercising. You should be walking faster than you would if you were at the mall shopping. This is the first mistake people make. The goal in doing cardio is to get your heart rate up. The ultimate goal is to get it up and keep it up for a long duration of time.

2. You’re not in a beauty contest so don’t worry bout looking silly. As you walk swing your arms side to side. Swinging your arms gets your core involved. Plus it helps to elevate your heart rate.

Take me! Take me!

3. Change things up each time you walk. Your body has an amazing memory when working out.  Over time your body will adjust to what you do and you will find you have hit a plateau.
For example:

* Do 15-20 squats at five minute intervals.

* Don’t go on the same path each walk.

* Stop every few minutes and do 20-30 jumping jacks.

* Turn your walk into a jog for 30 seconds or a minute or more.

* Bring the dog along and you’re guaranteed to take a route that’s at least more zig-zaggy than yesterday.

4. Be creative. Do you live near a park? Use your resources. Go online and see what your city offers near you. Ask a co-worker or friend what they do to exercise.

I’ll leave you with some favorite walking spots here in Hampton Roads:

Norfolk – Town Point Park – Downtown Norfolk
Hampton – Sandy Bottom Park (1255 Big Bethel Road)
Newport News – Noland Trail
Virginia Beach – First Landing State Park (2500 Shore Drive)
Suffolk – Sleep Hole Park (4700 Sleepy Hole Road)
Chesapeake – City Park (900 Greenbrier Parkway)