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Walking for Fitness and Fun

Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you (New Testament: John 12:35)

Introduction

Whether on a lazy sunny summer afternoon, a brisk autumn day, a soggy spring morning, or a cold winter evening during the light of the full moon. There's nothing quite like a walk on a mountain trail with friends, or a stroll along the beach with loved ones. To hear the sounds of nature around you and view the scenery of mountain vistas. To feel moving air on your skin and through your hair.

Walking is America's most popular form of exercise, and with good reason. With access to Local, State, and National Parks, National Forests, local walking trails, side walks and shopping malls - most Americas have easy access to this activity.

Benefits

Walking is a practical exercise requiring a minimal amount of gear that delivers a variety of health benefits. Because walking is a low-impact exercise, it causes less stress to your joints and body than activities such as running. Because it is a weight-bearing exercise, it helps prevent the onset of osteoporosis.

Walking at a moderate pace for 30 to 60 minutes a day (3 days a week) will build muscle, burn fat and increase your metabolism. It can also reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Walking can help you:

Gear

One of the great things about walking, is that you don't need much gear. If you are not going far from the comforts of civilization, and the weather is nice, you will probably be OK with just a good fitting pair of shoes, socks, and some comfortable clothing. But when you get off the beaten path, or are going to be out for an extended time - some basic gear planing is in order.

Safety

For the sake of safety, it is a good idea not to walk alone. Use caution around strangers. Let your family and / or trusted friends know where you are going and when you will be back.

Technique

Stand up straight and look ahead, not down at your feet. Walk naturally with a comfortable stride, and without an exaggerated motion. Use your arms as a counterbalance to the motion of your legs.

Resources and Acknowledgments

  1. Prevention's Complete Book of Walking : Everything You Need to Know to Walk Your Way to Better Health by Maggie Spilner
  2. The Complete Guide to Walking for Health, Weight Loss, and Fitness by Mark Fenton
  3. Walking Off Weight : The Workbook by Robert Sweetgall, R. Whiteley
  4. The 90-Day Fitness Walking Program by Mark Fenton, Seth Bauer (Contributor)
  5. Fitness Walking : Technique, Motivation, and 60 Workouts for Walkers by Therese Iknoian
  6. Aerobic Walking, the Weight-Loss Exercise : A Complete Program to Reduce Weight, Stress, and Hypertention by Mort Malkin
  7. Walking for Fitness - Weight Loss - Exercise - Sport


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Wednesday, November 7, 2001