It's been too hot here to go walking so I have really had trouble motivating myself to go. But, today, the pool where I live was finally open again and I was able to go swimming for the first time in years. It was so fun!!! The only draw back was there were yellow jackets flying around. I am terrified of any flying insect so was really glad my son was here to fight it off. Could have been a real disaster.

I've been doing my walking early in the morning, but I realize that's not going to cut it for someone living in Texas, in July!

Actually, I have been wondering about this potential problem (Ohio can be miserable hot too, at times) and also wondering what I am going to do in the winter when the sidewalks are icy. I have, in a surprisingly short time, become addicted to and dependent upon a daily walk. I used to walk years ago but had forgotten just how much it raises your spirits and helps you ignore food! I've heard about people walking in shopping malls, but I live sort of in the inner city and the closest mall is a 1/2 hour drive which makes it kind of hard to fit into my day. No pools close by either.

Have you thought about a stationary bike or something like that? I haven't bought one yet, partly because of the expense and partly because I don't know where I would put it! - but I'm considering it. I just know that if I give up exercising I'm going to be really sorry.

Don't know if this will help, but in my city people go walking at the Mall when it's too hot, raining, snowing or too cold. At the office you can obtain info on how many laps around the mall equals 1 mile. They even post info for the Mall Walkers! Also our high school is open to the public at 5:30 - 7 a.m. for people who want to walk before work. A little early for me but works good for some people. You might want to check out these options in your area.

I just got Leslie Sansone's Walk away the pounds videotape series. It's got 3 tapes...a 1 mile walk, a 2 mile walk and a 3 mile walk. I'm really enjoying them and now don't have any excuse for not walking. Also, I find that with the tapes I'm doing a better walk than when I go it alone outside as I keep the pace of the video whereas outdoors I tend to slow down rather than push myself.