Maintaining your exercise regimen during the autumn and winter months can be difficult. It’s easy to stockpile a list of excuses — “the days are too short,” “it’s too cold outside,” etc. But one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to stay healthy is by walking. Equipped with a pair of walking shoes (yes, they are different than running shoes) and a pedometer (a great motivating tool), you can easily track your daily progress as you burn extra calories (approximately 100 per mile). Thirty minutes a day, five days a week, this safe form of exercise can even help reduce the risks of heart disease, breast cancer, and diabetes.

Because some people may consider walking boring, be sure to change up your workout patterns by covering different terrain. Also, bringing along a partner can help during those days when you’re less motivated.

On those days of inclement weather, take your exercise to an indoor track or mall. For the more adventurous types, strap on some snowshoes and get an even more intense workout (as much as 700 calories per hour).