Aerobics for Loners

If you’re just starting an exercise program but you don’t want to work out with other people, there are still plenty of options available to you.

The absolutely best beginning workout (and one used by many people who are experienced exercisers too), is walking.

Walking is low impact, can be done as a warm-up and cool-down and then done more quickly for the actual workout, and the only equipment you need is a good pair of walking shoes.

The main concern in walking is that you pay attention to your safety: pick a route where traffic isn’t insane, and where strangers are unlikely to leap out at you from behind bushes. Don’t walk at night

unless you live in a really safe place, and even then you may consider getting some pepper spray in case you need to speak briefly but sternly to a territorial dog.

If you do walk at night, wear reflective clothing, and if you’re walking on paths or through fields, take a flashlight to avoid treading into a gopher hole. One last thing: wherever and whenever you walk, take along your cell phone, just in case.