Walking for Exercise: A Step in the Right Direction

Walking is one of the easiest ways to exercise. You can do it almost anywhere and at any time. Walking is also inexpensive. All you need is a pair of comfortable shoes.

Walking will:

Give you more energy
Make you feel good
Help you to relax
Reduce stress
Help you sleep better
Tone your muscles
Help control your appetite
Increase the number of calories your body uses

For all these reasons, people have started walking programs. If you would like to start your own program, read and follow the information provided here.

Is It Okay for Me To Walk?

Answer the following questions before you begin a walking program:

Has your doctor ever told you that you have heart trouble?
When you exercise, do you have pains in your chest or on your left side (neck, shoulder or arm)?
Do you often feel faint or have dizzy spells?
Do you feel extremely breathless after mild activity?
Has your doctor told you that you have high blood pressure?
Has your doctor told you that you have bone or joint problems, like arthritis, that could get worse if you exercise?
Are you over 50 years old and not use to a lot of exercise?
Do you have a condition or physical reason not mentioned here that might interfere with an exercise program?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, please check with your doctor before starting a walking program or other form of exercise.

How Do I Start a Walking Program?

It is important to design a program that will work for you. In planning your walking program, keep the following points in mind:

Choose a safe place to walk. Find a partner or group of people to walk with you. Your walking partner(s) should be able to walk with you on the same schedule and at the same speed.
Wear shoes with thick flexible soles that will cushion your feet and absorb shock.
Wear clothes that are right for the season. Cotton clothes for the summer help to keep you cool by absorbing sweat and allowing it to evaporate. Layer your clothing in the winter, and as you warm up, you can take off some layers.
Stretch before you walk. See the warm up exercises here.
Think of your walk in three parts. Walk slowly for 5 minutes. Increase your speed for the next 5 minutes. Finally, to cool down, walk slowly again for 5 minutes.
Try to walk at least three times per week. Add 2 to 3 minutes per week to the fast walk. If you walk less than three times per week, increase the fast walk more slowly.
To avoid stiff or sore muscles or joints, start gradually. Over several weeks, begin walking faster, going further, and walking for longer periods of time.
The more you walk, the better you will feel. You also use more calories.

Safety Tips

Keep safety in mind when you plan your route and the time of your walk.

Walk in the daytime or at night in well-lighted areas.
Walk in a group at all times.
Notify your local police station of your group's walking time and route.
Do not wear jewelry.
Do not wear headphones.
Be aware of your surroundings.

How Do I Warm Up?

Before you start to walk, do the stretching exercises shown here. Remember not to bounce when you stretch. Perform slow movements and stretch only as far as you feel comfortable.

Side Reaches

Reach one arm over

your head and to the

side. Keep your hips

steady and your shoulders

straight to the side.

Hold for 10 seconds and

repeat on the other side.

Wall Push

Lean your hands on a wall

with your feet about 3-4 feet

away from the wall. Bend one knee

and point it toward the wall. Keep

your back leg straight with your

foot flat and your toes pointed

straight ahead. Hold for 10 seconds

and repeat with the other leg.

Knee Pull

Lean your back against

a wall. Keep your head,

hips, and feet in a straight

line. Pull one knee to your

chest, hold for 10 seconds,

then repeat with the other leg.

Leg Curl

Pull your foot to your

buttocks with your opposite

hand. Keep your knee pointing

straight to the ground. Hold

for 10 seconds and repeat

with the other foot.

Taking the First Step

Walking right is very important.

Walk with your chin up and your shoulders held slightly back.
Walk so that the heel of your foot touches the ground first. Roll your weight forward.
Walk with your toes pointed forward.
Swing your arms as you walk.

A Sample Walking Program

	Warm up Time	Fast Walk Time*	Cool Down Time	Total Time
Week 1	Walk slowly 5 min.	Walk briskly 5 min.	Walk slowly 5 min.	15 min.
Week 2	Walk slowly 5 min.	Walk briskly 8 min.	Walk slowly 5 min.	18 min
Week 3	Walk slowly 5 min.	Walk briskly 11 min.	Walk slowly 5 min.	21 min.
Week 4	Walk slowly 5 min.	Walk briskly 14 min.	Walk slowly 5 min.	24 min.
Week 5	Walk slowly 5 min.	Walk briskly 17 min.	Walk slowly 5 min.	27 min.
Week 6	Walk slowly 5 min	Walk briskly 20 min.	Walk slowly 5 min.	30 min.
Week 7	Walk slowly 5 min.	Walk briskly 23 min.	Walk slowly 5 min.	33 min.
Week 8	Walk slowly 5 min.	Walk briskly 26 min.	Walk slowly 5 min.	36 min.
Week 9 & Beyond	Walk slowly 5 min.	Walk briskly 30 min.	Walk slowly 5 min.	40 min.