The 5 Best Workouts

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Walking

Walking is perhaps the most overlooked form of exercise because virtually anyone can make it a body-boosting workout-assuming you know how. "If you're going to take on walking as your primary mode of exercise," says Merrill, "then after a while your body will adapt, and it won't be as much of a stimulus." To counteract that, simply increase the duration and intensity over time by adding hills or speed to your route.

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Photo by: Thinkstock

Walking

Walking is perhaps the most overlooked form of exercise because virtually anyone can make it a body-boosting workout-assuming you know how. "If you're going to take on walking as your primary mode of exercise," says Merrill, "then after a while your body will adapt, and it won't be as much of a stimulus." To counteract that, simply increase the duration and intensity over time by adding hills or speed to your route. You can even wear a weighted backpack. "By increasing the intensity, it challenges the muscles a little differently, and it's still low impact," Merrill adds.

COLUMN: "I Dare You To Take 10,000 Steps!" less