Burning workout issues

I have some serious issues to bring before the group which I believe have been ignored by previous posts.  Does it count as lifting weights if you carry a diet coke or ice tea with you while you walk? How can one be sure that you are breaking a sweat from the effort of walking or from the friction heat of your thighs rubbing together? Do escalators count in your walking distances? Maybe up escalators do but down escalators don't?  Is pushing my walker when it is loaded with shopping sacks a core exercise?  

I appreciate any insights that you might have to offer on these troubling questions.  When the issues are resolved to my satisfaction, I may contemplate beginning an exercise routine.  I wouldn't want to jeopardize any future evaluations by jumping too precipitously into an ill-defined activity.