3 . Humans were made for walking. It's kind to our bodies and great for our waistlines. And best of all, it's a great way to see new things and meet new people!

Studies have shown that taking a walk every day significantly reduces your risk for heart disease and high blood pressure.    1    . Maybe you're getting tired of tracing your same old route day after day, or maybe you're new to walking. It's time to accept the idea of walking with a purpose.

To get started, sit down with a map and make a plan. Ask yourself, what do you want to get out of walking apart from the health benefits? Do you want to meet other people? See new places? Get out into the wilderness or explore a city?    2    .

If walking alone is what you're after, ask about local hikes that get you out of town and into the wilderness or countryside.    3    , call up your friends and schedule walks with them. Ask your friends where they like to walk and go there.

    4    ? Then tie on your walking shoes and prepare to get to know the city from the ground up! Many of our great historic cities offer detailed and well-planned walking tours. And small towns generally have a scenic route that will carry you past its best parks, shops and cafes.

From the benefits to your heart to your overall happiness, walking is just plain good for you.    5    . Just don't forget the sunscreen, hat, and plenty of water.