Lots of reasons, firstly walking is the most natural thing that we do, and from those first tentative steps we take at around 10 months old we strive to improve our mobility and go further, we are animals designed to travel long distance on foot and we carry instincts from our ancestors to explore, hunt, and gather. Some of us more than others, but who has not felt the satisfaction of climbing the hill to drink in the view. The second reason, is simply practicality, what do you need to begin walking? ... Just a door too open and a pair of comfortable shoes ... you don't need expensive memberships nor personal trainers ... After all we do know how to walk don't we! Perhaps slipslop slap put on a hat and that is it.

So now I hear you ask... when do I start and how far and how fast should I go? You will be pleased to know it is not a race, nor is it a casual stroll I suggest walk with a purpose. Maybe like you were going to collect the $100 someone owes you! Logically, this is where common sense comes in ... if you have been sedentary and getting unfit for the past five years it is unrealistic to expect to turn that totally around in five days! If you fall in to that category you may start out just 10 minutes out from your door and 10 minutes back ... doing this 20 minutes daily, listening to your body so as not to overdo things ... you would increase this by 10 minutes in each of the following weeks until you are eventually enjoying a walk around 60-70 minutes per day.

Remember The National Heart Foundation with their Norm campaign, where they extolled the virtues of "Ya Gotta Take 40 Minutes A Day" I am a firm supporter of those policies and recommend their website. You can turn your health and fitness around just by walking and you will amaze yourself and your friends if you are prepared to change your ways forever and create this new positive habit ... no one can do this for you ... you must decide. Is it exercise? or excusercise!

• What are the benefits of walking
.... Oh goodness! Where to start there are so many, first thing that benefits, is your cardiovascular system the good old heart and lungs as the blood starts to pump around the body as intended and as your fitness gradually improves you get through the day easier, it doesn't matter if you are writing a letter or shovelling coal you will do it easier if you are fit. We recommend early morning walks if possible (But it can be anytime during the day or night you can manage!) The reason I am keen on walking mornings before breakfast, is a lot of fuel is burnt off during the night just from our metabolism, so it can be beneficial for keeping weight in check, but an added bonus is when you exercise by walking, the oxygen is pumping through your system and you will never think with more clarity, you can plan your day or solve the problems of the world, and of course if you buddy up with friend or family it transcends to magnificent quality time. Furthermore walking before breakfast is the best time to exercise and burn fat because studies show that insulin levels are low at the time. When insulin levels are low the body can use more fat as energy. A fast walk of roughly 60 – 70 minutes is an ideal time for fat loss, and walking is positively the best way to commune with nature, watch a sunrise appear over a field or out of the ocean, discover bird life what a magic way to start your day, it is peaceful, plan your day, set new goals, this will motivate you and give you an abundance of energy to get through even the most hectic day. Many people only see one in a thousand sunrises or sunsets.

Kerry (my husband) and I believe you should milk life for all its worth and being fit will certainly help. Lastly exercise is the greatest stress buster it will help to alleviate stress and elevate your mood. Your body burns off calories, reducing your fat levels and improving your shape by toning and strengthening your muscles. It improves circulation and you feel healthier and more energetic. It can also boost your immune system, walking releases endorphins and this is why on your return you hit the shower feeling like a million dollars... all of this adds up to a more positive physical and mental state of being to help you live a longer, high quality enjoyable life...

• How does walking compare with other exercise in terms of fat burning, cost, time efficiency etc?
Many people are surprised to learn that exercise for fat loss, does not have to be rigorous, painful or extremely intense. In fact it’s quite the opposite. I should point out that what is dished up on weight loss television shows highlighting "the boot camp mentality" which is thrust upon poor novice people just starting to get in shape, running like a marine up stadium stairs or sand hills is foolish and dangerous in the extreme and could cause sudden death from heart failure.

The safest most effective way to burn fat is long duration low-intensity activity such as walking. BUT you should get a thorough check up from your GP (heart, blood pressure etc) BEFORE commencing any exercise program. Oh and make sure you go to a healthy Doctor ... that is a doctor who at least looks after himself ... in our own lifestyle business we practice what we preach. As your fitness improves you will walk faster at a good pace over a long duration. Your heart rate will lift and as a guide to how far you can push yourself you should be able to hold a conversation while you walk, that is, you are not puffing so hard, that you can't speak.

• How do you use walking in your personal training programs?
If my new clients are totally sedentary we ask them to start with 20 minutes per day "out just 10 minutes" feet out the door and "10 minutes back" ... doing this 20 minutes daily, they will increase this by 10 minutes in the following weeks until they are eventually enjoying a walk around 60-70 minutes per day. Clients who are partaking in other exercise regimes e.g. golf, squash, gym etc I tell them to enjoy all other incidental exercises, but continue to walk everyday in addition for fat burning...

All incidental exercise all adds up. For example just doing the housework can be exercise! You can also make choices in your regular activities that can increase your overall level of exercise. For example, take the stairs instead of the escalator or lift; park away from the supermarket. Walk to the shop to buy the newspaper instead of driving there. You should stop and think for a moment about where you can sneak some extra activities into your day.

• Who should walk?
Walking is one of the best types of aerobic exercise and is available to everyone. It is convenient and you can do it anywhere, anytime. Walking is a great opportunity to gather your thoughts, listen to the birds, watch a sunrise or sunset, or perhaps listen to your favourite music on your iPod.

• Can you provide a general idea of how much walking it takes to burn off a kilogram?
Walking is the most convenient form of aerobic exercise, walking burns calories just as surely as any other brisk activity: you use 500 calories (2,100kj) for an 8km walk. Whilst you can lose weight simply by modifying your diet and reducing your fat and calorie intake to recommended levels, you will see even better results if you combine an exercise program with a sensible healthy eating lifestyle... our website explains at length why both are important nutrition "input", exercise "output".