Want to try adding a little more walking into your daily routine? Visit WalkScore to find out just how walkable your neighborhood is and to zero in on businesses that are within walking distance of your home.

Another trick is to get a city map (or print out a Google map of your neighborhood) and make a "walking circle." Figure out how far you're willing to walk -- one mile is a good place to start -- and then set a compass for the appropriate distance. Set your home as the center point, then use the compass to draw a circle around it. Aim to walk to any destinations that fall within that circle.

Of course, not everyone lives in a walkable neighborhood, nor do they live close enough to walk or bike to work. Get more walking in your day by:

• Driving halfway or more to work, then parking your car and walking the rest of the way.
• Hand delivering messages, rather than using email.
• Taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Multi-tasking: Pace the halls while waiting for a doctor's appointment, walk around the field during your child's soccer practice.
• Taking a lunchtime hike around the block.
• Get off the bus or train early -- try one or more stops ahead of your destination and walk.
  
  

The whole point is, you burn more calories by walking than by sitting still, so the more movement you can squeeze into your day, the better!

Do you walk when you could drive? What kinds of tips and tricks can you share with our readers to make this healthy habit stick?

Got a Walking the Walk idea you'd like to see Bethany try for seven days? Share it with us in comments!