walk this way

Every time’s the right time for indoor walking workouts.

› By Angelique Anacleto

Every goal begins with that first step. And in the journey toward fitness, walking is nature’s simplest, easiest exercise. Video walking workouts o er a fun, convenient, low-impact format free of confusing dance moves, pricey equipment, gym commutes or bad weather. And in as little as 15 minutes, poof, you’ve quickly logged a full mile. It’s perfect for the cynical exerciser. (You know who you are!) So click a video, and give new meaning to the month of “March!”

Leslie Sansone: walkathome.com

Leslie has a warm, engaging personality, but don’t be fooled: She is a one-woman workout empire who has appeared in countless publications and on talk shows. To select any Walk At Home video from her ever-growing collection, sample previews on the website before purchasing. The most encouraging highlight is when Leslie indicates on the screen’s “meter” how far you have walked, half-a-mile and so on. Start with her one-mile programs, and then increase your duration and intensity to five sweaty, body-slimming miles. Leslie practices up to four basic steps and speeds up tempo or adds resistance.

Freshen routines with Your Daily Walk app (iOS or Android) featuring a month of varied programs: $50 annual membership or $5 (after the first free month) monthly membership. To exercise live with friends, check Walk15 classes held in Belleview and Citra.

FOLLOW: Search for more titles from the swelling movement of walking video instructors, including Suzanne Andrews, Denise Austin, Jane Fonda, Madeleine Lewis, Kathy Smith, Lumowell and Prevention Fitness Systems.

The Biggest Loser Power Walk: amazon.com

Led by celebrity trainer and host Bob Harper, contestants from the hit NBC show The Biggest Loser become fellow classmates for four cardioboosting one-mile walks that increase in di culty, from beginner to advanced. Then fan-favorite contestants Tara Costa and Sione Fa playfully guide your cool-down. If walkers follow the enclosed planner for three weeks, workouts should total 26.2 miles, which is similar to marathon training.

Jessica Smith: JessicaSmithTV.com, youtube.com

Not only does internet star Jessica Smith sell several videos, but this popular gal also makes hundreds of high-energy workouts available for free on her website and YouTube channel, many of which take only 10 minutes or are one mile in length. Jessica amps up the usual walking pace with more complicated moves. Pick up her Walking for Weight Loss, Wellness & Energy DVD (amazon.com) if you prefer watching a scenic yet familiar Miami, Florida, backdrop.

FUN VIRTUAL WALKS: No need to pack your bags! Virtual Walks videos allow you to travel the world right from home. An explosion of videos on disc, downloads, streaming or apps, provides the sights and sounds to keep you engaged, whether picturesque nature paths or top tourist sites in Paris, Rome, Hong Kong and more. Just be sure to note one mile for every 15 minutes of viewing. Try worldnaturevideo.com or virtual-walk.com.

WALK FOR CHARITY APP: Charity Miles free app (iOS or Google Play) lets you apply your miles walked toward charity donations. Earn 25 cents per mile for your chosen charity, track your progress and post to Facebook or Twitter to accept sponsorship. See charitymiles.org.