The best kind of workouts.

I have looked at different kinds of exercises and even though walking is by far the best, there are a few others that are worth mentioning, albeit not something I would do on a regular basis.

Biking is something I did quite often many years ago. Don't own a bike now but hope to shortly, not only for the exercise but more so for the transportation aspect. I don't live in a bicycling friendly neighborhood since there are many hills and have to go a few miles to find staightaways and level ground to bike.

Another fun and exercise filled sport is table tennis. A friend mentioned to me that it is one of the best forms of exercise in terms of a complete workout for the body and mind. The physical benefits (once past the beginners stage) are a tremendous workout and the hand/eye coordination that works the brain simultaneouly.
I play ping pong on a regular basis (at the Santa Cruz Table Tennis Club) and know first hand of the great workouts I get at the end of each visit.

Another sport that I used to play quite often is tennis. In the past year I have hit more on the backboard, usually at Aptos Junior High School, than with someone on the court. Not only do I get a better workout (a 30 min. session is all I need), but I can do it when I want to. It is also an easier way to work on a particular stroke.
Many times I walk the the mile or so to and from the backboard site, and so my legs also get a workout.

The bottom line is finding an exercise that is fun and doing it consistantly to enjoy the benefits.

Going to the store and the beach.

You know recently I discovered two different ways to incorporate walking into my daily routine.
I live a little over a mile from the beach here in beautiful Aptos California, and for the longest time whenever wanted to go to the beach I would hop into the car and drive to the beach. Several months ago I decided to walk to the beach, shed my footwear, and walk along the surf. This has been a great addition to my regiment, especially the walk home as it all uphill (and this is the part I walk as fast as I can).

The grocery store is a little farther away (over 2 miles) and whenever I need 1 or two items, instead of doing the first thing that comes to mind (use the car), I walk the two plus miles (which include going following train tracks) to the store and back.

These new additions have made me discover new streets in my neighborhood and meet some of my neighbors, something hard to do while driving.

If you have not walked your neighborhood, this is a great way to see some beautiful front and back yards and not just a fleeting glance you get whilst driving. And get some wonderful exercise while you're at it too!