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Steamboat Springs — Walking is one of the easiest, most enjoyable forms of exercise. All you need to get started are comfortable clothes, good-fitting shoes and a little will.

New to walking? Don’t get much exercise? Don’t know where to start? It’s easy — start where you are. You can increase your fitness level simply by adding in a few extra steps throughout your day. Ten minutes of walking three times a day adds up to the recommended 30 minutes per day of exercise. If you are just getting going, start small. Pick one activity off the following list to do each day. Keep adding more until you can walk a total of 30 minutes in one day.

Short walks to build in your day:

■ While watching a TV show, get up and walk around the house during every commercial break

■ Take the stairs instead of the elevator

■ Walk to get the mail

■ Park in the farthest space when shopping

■ Walk your dog

■ Take the shopping cart back to the store

■ Walk to a co-worker’s desk instead of calling them on the phone

■ While waiting for someone, walk around the store, restaurant, or block

■ When at work, take the long way to get to the kitchen, the bathroom or meetings

■ Take a lap around the field or gym when watching your child’s sporting event

■ Walk down and up the movie theater steps before taking your seat

■ Before shopping, walk around the outside aisles of Walmart, City Market or Safeway

■ Get creative — how can you add more steps to your day?

Before starting any exercise program, it is a good idea to check with your physician to be aware of any restrictions/cautions you should follow based on your health and fitness level. Remember, always listen to your body and go at your own pace.

This week: Set a personal or family fitness goal. Where or how far would you like to be able to walk in 10 weeks at the end of this program? Write your goal down and post it where you can see it every day to keep you motivated.