Whenever I’ve taken on a new activity, interest or hobby I’ve always found that a gadget – no matter how small – is a great motivator. The same is true with exercise and fitness activities although I was somewhat surprised at just how much having a pedometer increased my enjoyment of my daily walk.

For years I’ve incorporated brisk walking into my exercise routine. Daily walks kept me fit and thin during my years of office work. A month of long walks with a stroller took off the post-pregnancy weight. At a time when I was running a home based business it was my routine walk that cleared my head and moved my mass even in lean economic times.

As you can see, I’m no stranger to a brisk walk, a long walk, or walking for fitness. This is why it came as somewhat of a shock when I received my first pedometer as a gift and found that it heightened my awareness and enjoyment of every walk, jog or run I took.

If you haven’t walked much in the past as a means to exercise, what’s stopping you? Walking is a fabulous, low-impact cardiovascular exercise that will tone your muscles and help you lose weight. Get yourself some good shoes, put on some comfortable clothes, book an hour away from the computer or desk, grab your pedometer and step out the door. You’ll love it and even if you don’t, within a week you’ll have formed a new habit and will start noticing changes in your physical well being.

If you are already reasonably fit you can walk with your regular running shoes or sneakers. In the winter I walk in warm winter boots with a supportive orthotic insole to protect my back, arch and joints. The point is: You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on specialty walking shoes to get started. Once you fall in love with walking you can spend the money but for now all you need is a decent pair runners (or comfortable shoes with orthotic insoles) and your pedometer to track your progress. Any of these footwear options allow for an enjoyable environment for your feet, and happy feet love to walk.