A local woman lost over 80 pounds -- and never stepped foot in a gym.

Instead, Peggy Zende packed up and headed for the woods, losing weight by hitting the trails.

Zende, of Steubenville, said she has hiked countless trails in the Ohio Valley and across the country, but said she didn't always have the energy it takes.

Six years ago, after finding out she had heart condition, she changed her diet and got moving. Two years ago, she started with one- and two-mile hikes and built up her endurance.

---

Get Fit 2008: Tips to get -- and stay -- fit

---

Now, she said she hopes more people will pack up and take a hike.

"It's my goal to inspire people to find their happy trail and hike on," Zende said.

Exercise expert Dave Krinock, of Trinity Health System, said people should only do what they are able to do when it comes to working out. Then, as a people's bodies assimilates to that exercise, they should continue to challenge themselves.