by Dr. Sam Benjamin "Do as I say, not as I do," my friend's dad used to laughingly say. But, while that might work for a parent who acknowledges his own weaknesses, it does not work for me as a physician who wants to guide his patients - and radio listeners - to exercise if I'm not willing to do it myself. Still, I admit it was only in the last year that I lost a lot of weight and have been walking regularly.

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Should you walk, run, or jog?

Health benefits of walking

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Before you start walking

Regardless of the time of day, the weather, or the city, there is usually an outdoor location near you that lends itself to walking, jogging, or running.

This kind of exercise can help burn calories, help you look and feel better, improve your outlook on life, improve your cardiovascular fitness, and maybe even improve your sexual relationship.

I like to find really nice places to walk, places with pleasant scenery where I can get charged up from the "pulse" of the surroundings. As I walk, I have time to think and put the day's affairs in order. I love to people-watch. Time passes by quickly.

And to be safe, I follow the conventional wisdom to avoid walking during rush hours, near highly trafficked areas, or in dark, remote areas.

Since I started walking I've learned there are many dedicated walkers among my friends and family, and I never knew that until I was ready to join them. Now I know what they know - it's fun. I really enjoy it.

One of my family members is 82 years old, has suffered a major heart attack, has had coronary artery bypass surgery, and is being treated for congestive heart failure. While admittedly he is not ready to run the four-minute mile, he walks every day and is happier and healthier for it.

We are told so much about the health benefits that we forget to tell non-walkers about the most immediate benefit: fun. So start walking today!