The challenge over talking about physical activity is that Newtown residents' range of interests and experience are both deep and diverse, according to Health District Director Donna Culbert.heart.org/physicalactivity to find all the resources you need to get moving and stay motivated.heart.org/physicalactivity to find more resources to help get moving and stay motivated.

"There are avid exercisers who are committed - they have found their stride, whether it's the joy of the work or the reward of the work - some love it, some hate it, but they do it with zeal," she said. "Then there are folks who have difficulty finding the time and the activity to make being active a priority. And there's a whole bunch of us somewhere in between."

There are many places here in Newtown where facilities and expertise are readily available - from NYA Sports & Fitness Center, Core Fitness, Club 24, CrossFit Hook'd, CrossFit RedZone, Total Performance Sports and Fitness, Joanne's Fitness, Yoga Dimensions, Sunshine Health & Fitness, Newtown Yoga Center, Graceful Planet Moving Arts - to Porco's Karate Academy, Newtown Moo Duk Kwan, Extreme Fitness Martial Arts and many more, MS Culbert said. There are also many personal trainers, small or private studios, and alternative ways to get moving, dancing, swimming, bike riding.

The health official has learned and seen from experience that beginners do best to keep it simple.

"So start with walking," Ms Culbert said. "The simplest, positive change you can make to effectively improve your heart health is to start walking. It's enjoyable, free, easy, social, and great exercise."

A walking program is flexible and boasts high success rates because people can stick with it.

"It's easy for walking to become a regular and satisfying part of life," she said. "You don't need any special skills or equipment to walk, except a decent pair of sneakers or walking shoes."

Walking may seem tame to many, but unless you are devoted to an exercise program, consistent walking will reap rewards.

"Just take the first step. Start with walking," Ms Culbert said. "Why? It's easy and it works."

As a number of Ms Culbert's colleagues and staffers at the Municipal Center have learned through several years of promoting this easy and safe exercise, walking for as few as 30 minutes a day provides heart health benefits.

"Walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise to achieve heart health," she said. "It will do many things for you. You will live longer and better, by improving your heart health, reducing high blood pressure and high cholesterol, eliminating or reducing the effects of diabetes, reducing stress, and sleeping better. Walk with a friend and you both benefit."

So where is a good place to walk?

"Let's start with the sidewalks that do exist in town," Ms Culbert said."They will bring you to the middle school, Hawley School, Edmond Town Hall, a movie theater, the police department, Town Hall South, many churches along Church Hill Road and Main Street, many health care and dental care providers, pharmacies, grocery stores, banks, businesses, restaurants, as well as beautiful newer sidewalks in Sandy Hook Center - again, many opportunities. And that's just where there are sidewalks.

"There are also paths and trails in town that can be accessed, for example, at Orchard Hill Nature Center, Al's Trail and the expanded paved walking trail at Fairfield Hills," she added. And with fitness trackers like Fitbit, Polar, Garmin, and dozens more, its fun, informative and competitive.

Whether it's walking or other activities, visit

No time or desire for exercise? Here are ten tips from heart.org to help you get moving:

*Get out the leash and walk your dog. It's a great activity for both man and man's best friend. Your heart - and your pooch - will thank you.

*Take your child for a brisk walk. It is an excellent way to get some one-on-one time (or one-on-three, depending on the size of your brood.) Spice up your routine by exploring new neighborhoods or turning your walk into a scavenger hunt.

*Mall walk. Are you sweating (or shivering) at the idea of walking outside? Take a brisk stroll around your local mall instead. Window shop, people watch and give your heart a workout in a climate-controlled environment.

*Join a team. Pick an activity you love and round up some friends. Team sports can be fun - and keep you motivated and accountable.

*Walk and talk. Even if you're glued to your phone for work calls, you don't have to be glued to your seat. Make it a habit to talk and walk. Some workplaces have walking paths to make it even easier to burn while you earn.

*Tune into fitness during TV time. Reject your inner couch potato. Walk, jog in place, or use the treadmill at the gym while you watch your favorite 30-minute show.

*Park and walk. How many times have you circled the parking lot to find "the" spot? Spare yourself the stress and gain more energy by parking far away (or even in a remote lot) and walking farther to your destination.

*Take the stairs. The elevator may go up - but it doesn't make your heart rate climb. Take the stairs instead. You may huff and puff at first, but over time, your body will thank you.

*Dance! Do it in a ballroom, at a club, or even in your living room. You'll burn calories and gain a new hobby.

*Skip the cake, say goodbye to pie, and take a walk after dinner. You'll get a reward that's sweeter than dessert: more family time.

"If these ideas don't work for you, find something that you enjoy," Ms Culbert said. "Ditching the excuses can be the first step to a healthier you. Of course, if you have an injury, talk to your doctor first to see if there's a low-impact exercise you can do or find out if you should wait until you're healed."

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