1. First check with your physician about starting a walking program. Your physician will probably want to give you an examination and maybe do an electrocardiogram to determine whether you are healthy enough, and then give you his blessing.

2. Before you take your first step, get yourself a good pair of walking shoes that are made for walking. Sporting good stores have shoes for every types of activity, pick a pair that are designed for walking that feels comfortable on your feet. These shoes will give you the proper support you need.

3. Dress yourself in layers and make sure your clothes fit comfortably. If you wear layers, you can take off items and put them on again depending on what the weather is like and how much you are exerting yourself.

4. Start out gradually; you don’t have to walk miles and miles on your first time out. A comfortable walking speed and shorter distance to start will keep you from quitting before you have really begun.

5. Try different routes and add variety when you are ready, integrate some hills, swing your arms, and or carry hand weights. This will not only keep you interested but help you becoming physically fit faster. Get a step counter and attach it to your pants. This little low-tech gadget doesn’t lie, it will tell you exactly how many steps you have taken every day. Whenever the weather is bad, find a mall to walk in or use a treadmill at a gym. Do not let the weather be an excuse to skip a day.