Most of us have heard about runner's high but wonder if we can achieve the same results from less strenuous exercise such as walking. A new study shows that a 30 minute walk at a steady pace can provide a mood boost to people suffering from depression. Walking provided the same lift that an individual may seek from cigarettes, caffeine or binge eating.

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin measured the moods of two groups suffering from depression after a 30 minute period. One group spent the 30 minutes walking on a treadmill while the other group sat quietly. They were surveyed five minutes before the session and five, 30 and 60 minutes afterward. Although both groups reported a reduction in negative feelings only the group that exercised acknowledged they felt good after the session.

Health magazine rated the Omron Healthcare Digital Premium Pedometer HJ-112 as one of its best products for 2006. This pedometer is a great tool to use in keeping track of your workouts, whether you walk, jog or speedwalk. It is so easy to use that you can keep track of your steps, distance and calories burned when you are strolling around the mall, walking to your car or running after your children.

The most unique feature of the Omron HJ-112 is that it works if placed on your waistband, in your pocket or clipped on to your pocketbook.  This allows you to keep track of your steps and distance walked all day, not just during your workout.

Many pedometers are difficult to read while they are in use because you have to open the front flap to see the display.  Since the Omron Healthcare Digital Premium Pedometer HJ-112 does not have a front flap you can see your progress with every step you take.

Steve Vaught, better know as the fat man walking has passed both the 2,000 mile mark and Terre Haute, Indiana. Steve has 800 miles to go before he reaches New York City on his journey from San Diego.

The fat man walking has continued to walk 6 or 7 hours per day, though there are many days when he walks longer. In an interview on NBC’s Today show Steve said that he had met more nice people than not. Although this point was lost on a hotel manager who called the police because she thought Steve looked like a bum. To his credit Steve took all this calmly.

Steve also noted that until yesterday the weather had been nice for the most part. He felt like a “warm front was following him.”

This article was contributed by Callie Leaver, a personal trainer located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Callie is certified through AFAA, the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. If you live in the Atlanta area and are interested in contacting Callie you may do so by by submitting a comment to this article.

It’s a new year and we’ve all heard the statements of commitment:
 “I have to get into shape” 
 “I need to lose 10 pounds” 
 “This year I mean it!”
 “I am finally going to use the gym membership I bought 2 years ago”

Everyone seems to have such good intentions as the clock strikes midnight and it is a new year. Then reality sets in; you have to go back to work; the kids have karate; your significant other is out of town and you are forced to take care of the household alone; your boss sends you out of town for a very important meeting. The next thing you know, it is December 31 and you patiently await the coming of another new year to make your fitness commitment. The cycle for many just goes on and on for years and years.

The holidays are over and now we are all trying to get back in shape before spring comes and we are forced to take off our sweaters and turtlenecks or risk heat exhaustion.  What better way to work your way back into shape then to start a walking program?

Most cities in the US have malls within an easy drive or better yet a short walk.  The obvious advantage of walking in the mall is that it is in a temperature controlled environment.  Most malls have two stories so you can add a little more cardio by walking up and down the stairs as you make your loop.