Ah, the dreaded fitness thought. If you think sweat, muscle pain and other unpleasantries are required for keeping your body fit during senior — or any — years, you are wrong.

There are easier (think less comfortable) ways of sneaking in some regular fitness if the thought of being in a group of spandex-clad people makes you cringe.

Walking may be an underestimated form of exercise, but it is a low-impact, easy way to stay in shape and even lose weight. And you don’t have to go for extensive walks to see results.

Mall walking has gained so much popularity, it has created clubs and dozens of books. What makes it attractive? In rainy weather — which is in no shortage around here — it’s a good way to keep a routine. If you’re concerned about safety and don’t like being alone on a remote trail or walking next to noisy traffic, mall walking is the answer. Not to mention you’ll always have a restroom and drinking water handy.

If mall walking doesn’t sound inspirational, or you prefer to be in the outdoors and enjoy the scenery, join the like-minded folks called Kitsap Volkssporters. A local Volskssport group just recently created as an offshoot of Olympic Peninsula Explores, Kitsap Volkssporters share their love of outdoors via regular scenic walks around the area.

Volksmarch is a non-competitive, 6-mile walk that originated in Europe, and has thousands of clubs around the world. You can even join a national association, and receive credits for your miles, along with various rewards for reaching milestones.

But the Kitsap Volkssporters invite everyone to come for a walk for free. Those who decide to join the club by paying a low fee can begin earning credits. Or just keep walking along without joining and paying a fee — and enjoy the company of new or old friends. You don’t even have to trek the entire route, and you do it at your pace, no one is timing.

“The trails around Kitsap are wonderful,” says the club’s Patty Seljestad. “And you are more likely to get out and enjoy an activity if someone is there to do it with you.”

Each trail is rated for its difficulty and skill level, and special walks that are wheelchair or stroller-friendly are organized frequently as well. Two walks are scheduled each month; call Rob at (360) 697-4534 for details or visittheir web site at http://groups.msn.com/KitsapVolkssporters.

You think walking is too monotonous? Dance your way to fitness instead. You may have seen local cloggers groups performing at community events, why not join in? Or, if you are the more traditional type, go for line dancing. The Kitsap Kickers, for example, get together every Friday and Sunday evening at various Kitsap locations. Join them or any other dance social groups to shake it up a little and have some laughs (which also, by the way, are good for your health).

Other low-impact options are water aerobics or gentler type of exercising like Qui-gong or Tai Chi. Some MPV Physical Therapy locations offer those classes, as well as aquatic therapy. “Seniors are much more flexible under water,” says Jason Stodelle, clinical manager at the Bremerton location.

Aquatic therapy, which is developed for each individual’s needs under the direction of a physical therapist, is covered by Medicare if a patient has been referred by a physician. But you can still use the services if you’re willing to pay out of pocket without the referral. Other MPV clinics, such as the one in Key Center, also have water aerobics classes for a low monthly fee or one-time session charge — and you can also check with your local high school for the public swim hours.

Don’t forget your senior centers either. Some offer sittercize, an exercise method while sitting, or other senior-friendly physical activities.

And, if the spandex attire doesn’t sound that bad after all, give your local gym a visit — you may discover many other folks in your shoes. Besides, sweat pants and T-shirt are still in style.