Comments on: How to Exercise Through Walking

on 6/30/2006 To make the most of your walking, follow these simple guidelines:
- Walking should be brisk - enough to make you feel slightly out of breath.
- Allow your arms to swing freely, remembering to bend them gently at the elbow.
- Resist the temptation to take longer strides - instead take smaller, quicker steps.
- Walk tall.
- Control your breathing - take full breaths and exhale completely.
- When walking uphill, lean into the hill and take smaller steps.
- If you feel pain or dizziness, slow down or stop.

on 11/22/2005 If you live in an area that is prone to extremely cold winters (like I do), then walking outside year round is simply not an option. One way to get around this is to go to your local mall. Often times, the mall is open several hours before its shops are and it's a quiet, safe place to walk. Plus, you can window shop if you get bored.

on 11/22/2005 I find that it helps to make walking part of a daily (or semi-daily) schedule. For example, I walk home from work a few days a week (I get a ride to work because I don't drive). The walk is about 40 minutes of varying terrain and since I'm going directly home, I don't mind working up a little sweat by speeding it up a little. On days when I have a lot of free time, I'll walk my errands...I'll walk to the supermarket to pick up some cereal or something.

on 11/22/2005 Walking poles are a great way to maximize the benefits of walking. Makes walking a true total body exercise. You can easily burn 40% more calories. Strengthens arms, abs and back. Helps maintain bone density. To learn more, check out www.walkingpoles.com

on 11/22/2005 Join a free local volkswalk club. You can earn medals or patches. The clubs go to different areas of your state and you can meet and make many new friends. There are different ratings for beginner walkers to experienced walkers.

on 11/22/2005 Walking is great. I have blocked arteries and the angioplasty failed. I started walking. My doctor told me that because I walked so much, I was able to grow new arteries to replace the blocked ones. I also was able to go back to work after almost 9 years.

on 11/22/2005 Walking with music adds to my enjoyment and relaxation. Walking, especially on your own, can sometimes be boring, but I find music keeps me going. Keep volume low enough so you can still hear autos, trains or unfriendly dogs!

on 11/22/2005 It's not a bad idea. Too many people jog or walk in the street, but even facing traffic, this can be dangerous. Always wear light clothing. Also, keep on eye on vehicles. After all, a van with a sliding door could easily grab someone from the street. No J

on 11/22/2005 It might be morbid, but a local cemetery is a great place to walk! The setting is peaceful, traffic is rare, and the road surfaces are generally good. It is especially great if you are shy and don't want people watching you as you walk/run.

on 11/22/2005 Go to your local library and borrow a book on tape. This can make walking more interesting once you have built up to longer walks.