Many people want to get started with their own fitness before they get a gym membership or start working with a trainer.  To me, that sounds like trying to get healthy before you go to the doctor, but still, some people want to get started on their own.  So here’s something simple to help you get started that will only take you a total of 45 minutes per week.  Here it is: go for a walk.

I’m not kidding, getting out and walking can be one of the best ways to start conditioning your body.  This specific method won’t take all your time, but can take you very far, very quickly.

1. What you’ll do is pick a direction (please adhere to all safety rules, getting run over is not your goal), and walk for 7.5 minutes.
2. Then you’ll turn around, and make sure you get back to your start by the time 15 total minutes is up.  Sound simple?  It is.  Sound easy?  Not for long.
3. When you reach your half way point (your turnaround point), you’ll take note of how far you went.  The next time you walk, your goal is to make it further than the previous time, and still make it back in time.
4. You’ll take these walks 3 times per week.
5. You are not allowed to run, only walk.  After a couple weeks you’ll probably be walking pretty far, and may think you’ll have to run some in order to beat your previous distance, or to get back in time.  Don’t.  For this routine, it is actually more effective to continue trying to walk faster than it is to run.  Resist the urge, I know you can do it.

Sound like a plan?  Sound reasonable? 45 total minutes per week for four weeks, and you’ll be ready to move onto your next goal.  Get started today.