Walking is one of the simplest fitness exercises known to man. But with the invention of cars, elevators and yes, even golf carts, walking is fast becoming obsolete. Seriously, instead of standing up and walking to get a pen from our desk, we simply "roll over" to get it using our wheeled computer chairs. Rather than walking our way to the grocery store a block away, we choose to key in the ignition of our cars and drive ourselves there. Golfers used to walk to get from one hole to the next, but with golf carts, perhaps the only real physical benefit derived from this game is drastically cut in half.

Walking for fitness is not really a new concept. It has just been buried under all sorts of newfangled exercise programs that the fitness industry churns out everyday. However, going for a brisk walk around your neighborhood or by the beach is the cheapest, easiest, even the most effective cardio exercise that you can ever do. No enrolment to the gym is needed, no fancy exercise machines to learn to use and no other gear is necessary except comfortable shoes and some clothes.

The ease of performing this exercise does not make it any less effective. In fact, research has proven that walking for even just thirty minutes a day provides a host of immense benefits. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduces one's risk of diabetes and promotes healthy blood circulation and overall cardiovascular functioning. When done regularly, it enables an individual to maintain a healthy weight even as it strengthens bones, muscles and tissues. With regular walks, one can expect improved respiratory functions and smoother gastrointestinal processes.

While these are great incentives for individuals to undertake a walking for fitness regimen, there is more good news. Taking ten thousand steps a day has actually been proven to prevent your risk of getting certain cancers. In light of the rising cases of colon and stomach cancers in the world today, we may have found a simple way to prevent the Big C from ruining our lives.

While walking for fitness is generally cost-free, it would be helpful to invest in a few necessary gear to maximize the benefits you derive from this exercise. For starters, you would need a good pair of walking shoes with lots of cushion to absorb impact. While it's not as high-impact as running or jogging, you still need good footgear to enable you to go longer distances in your walk. If you're primarily walking to lose weight, you will need to go further (as opposed to going faster) so you can burn more calories to destroy the fat. Aside from comfortable shoes, it's also a good idea to invest in a pedometer. It's a simple electronic tool you attach around your hip or waist area to count the number of steps you have taken for a particular day. It may not seem much but a study found out that pedometers were actually helpful in encouraging people to become more active. When you're aiming for a certain number of steps per day, this device is a handy way to keep track of your progress.

Walk up to shape up!