Do you went to live to be 100 years old or more? Then, “take a hike!” Or, at least a good brisk walk!

Medical professionals and fitness experts agree that walking is one of the easiest, simplest and cost free ways to sneak exercise into a busy schedule as it can be done virtually anywhere, anytime, and anyplace, without special equipment, either alone or with a group of friends indoors or outside in nature.

A recent study from St. George’s University of London and other institutions published in the journal PLOS Medicine, has found that adults and the elderly can benefit from walking on a regular basis. The researchers concluded that increasing the amount of time spent walking helps to boost heart health, which in turn could improve longevity!

The results of this study and others, are conclusive proof that even short term walking can provide long term results!

It is important to make time to exercise even with a busy schedule; quick workouts spread throughout the work week is better than doing nothing at all. The real beauty of walking is that it is free and can be done pretty much at any time in anyplace without special equipment, solo or with friends, indoors or outside.

Try walking with a companion whether that be a pet or a friend. You can even turn that walk into a fun filled adventure by exploring new areas, with a scavenger hunt, site seeing, or bird watching. Rather than a walk around the block with your four legged fur baby why not go to the park where you can both enjoy some scenery and socialization?

While you are watching TV you could try to walk in place during commercials, or doing yoga, or on a treadmill while listening to music. If you are on the phone often for long periods of time, stand up and walk around. If you can, always walk rather than drive, and if you must take the car, park further away.

Other Tips to Get Moving!

Riding a bike part or all of the way will get those legs moving. If you take public transportation try getting off a stop early from your location and walking the rest of the way. When you take a restroom break walk to the farthest bathroom, and when going for water walk to the far water cooler.

Taking the stairs is great exercise, going up and down a flight of stairs is a quick way to get in some exercise. Utilizing the stairs more often can provide some serious health benefits without having to buy special equipment.

When it comes to being physically active, literally, every step counts, walking will help to boost your heart health in the easiest, most cost free way possible.