Walking-is it effective if you don't take a dog?

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Most people recommend if you are going to walk to exercise, to take a dog. Here's the problem:

1. I am not a dog person, they don't excite me

2. None of my neighbour's have extremely well trained dogs (or trust me; I don't know them well enough)

3. None of good friends have dogs, the only friend who currently has a dog likes to walk him herself

4. The idea of having to go wherever the dog wants to or forcing them dog to go the way I want to (which would hard because if I am not there owner, they may not listen to me. And if the dog decided to run......I would be in trouble. I am not a very good runner. I would also probably end up getting nervous with cars and let go of the leash and have to go a wild goose chase for the dog.

5. Walking the SPCA dogs doesn't excite me because I don't really know anything about them and the people there might not be able to match me with a good dog. Plus, "special needs" people need an adult with them.

6. As I have mentioned on this site before, I have sensory issues with dogs (barking)

So, if I were just to "power-walk" to grocery store or whatever, would that be effective? Or do walks HAVE to involve dogs? Dog walking isn't something I think I would enjoy. Don't say "you never know until you try", I am just not a dog person.

If not, is there other effective forms of exercise besides dog walking? Exercise should be at least somewhat enjoyable, and I know this wouldn't.

Just to let you know, I don't need to lose weight but I want to exercise because they say that even if you are healthy weight you should exercise to help maintain it.

Walking the dog is usually just used as motivation, or as an excuse to go walking yourself. It's absolutely effective without a canine.

You do not need to go with a dog to go walking. There are several people in my neighborhood who just walk around the neighborhood for exercise that is not overly stressing on the joints (like running can be) and they do not like biking or do not have a bike. I see most of them go by themselves, but some walk with someone else for company.
I have gone walking by myself, it is fun to look at the different plants and architectural styles. I always wear sunscreen and a hat and sunglasses, and if it is close to dark, I have on light colored clothes or light reflective clothes, and a flash light.
Do not worry about taking a dog if you do not want to.

Walking and bicycling are my exercise options of choice, and I don't need a dog for that. I've bought a treadmill and a stationary bicycle, so I don't even have to leave the house if the weather is crappy or if I feel like exercising in the middle of the night.

What's more, I can watch a movie, surf the internet or play a video game while exercising at home. That's a great motivator for me. Whenever I feel like playing a Wii game, I get on my stationary bicycle. And if I want to watch a movie, I turn on the treadmill. If you make that a habit, you don't need a dog to motivate you.