However, having reached middle age, have discovered that exercise is no longer an option. If the plan is making it much past middle age and retain the ability to get around on my own steam, I have to move. The question becomes how to make exercise both excuse-proof and profitable not just physically but also psychologically and spiritually.

Have tried a number of exercise forms. For example, love to swim. But when joining the Y, had to drive to get to the pool and it became real easy to decide that didn't have time. Also, went to the Y back when gas was much cheaper. Now, would have to pay for the Y and pay a bunch to get to the Y.

In my day was a decent bicyclist. The thing loved about both swimming and bicycling is that no one made me compete in those activities when was a kid, was not humiliated with either one. But, don't even own a bike now where, used to ride out in the country is now busy streets and housing developments.

Now, walk. In the summer, can choose to walk at almost any time of the day (well, noon is not so good) or early evening, so have a lot of choices. Don't have to drive somewhere and not taking any kind of risk. The equipment required is relatively cheap to buy good shoes. For psychological and spiritual well-being, walk with my husband.

The hour that we walk most days gives us a chance to talk and to spend time together a respite during an otherwise busy day. When first started walking, we only went a few blocks and returned home. Have built up to slightly more than three miles and occasionally close to four miles. There are times when really don't want to do it, but know that walking causes the 'feel-good' chemicals to be produced in the brain, so walk anyway. have seen my husband's mood totally change for the better between the beginning and end of a walk, sure he's seen the same thing in me. Walking is easy.

You close the front door and take off. We even do errands on our walks, picked up a few items at a grocery store, drop mail off at the post office, or get a prescription at the local pharmacy, so I feel like the walk is not just something I have to do to maintain my physical body. It is serving several purposes at once, including reducing our automobile usage.