Walk, Don't Run

Many people run for exercise. But what if you are not a "born" runner or jogger? You may still want a kind of exercise that's inexpensive and easy to do. Why not try walking?

Walking is something that almost any normal, healthy person can do. It requires no special equipment. Walking can give you many of the same benefits as jogging or running; it will just take longer. Jogging and running make your heart and lungs work harder than walking. They also put more stress on your legs and feet than walking does.

The problem with walking as a kind of exercise is that most people don't take it seriously. But there's a big difference between serious walking and the kind of walking that most of us do. Walking, like jogging, should have a steady and continuous motion.

If you're going to get your exercise by walking, you need to have your own walking program. After all, runners and joggers set goals for themselves. Walkers need goals, too.

Set a definite course to walk. Start by walking about 15-30 minutes a day. Build up your time and distance slowly. Try increasing your walking speed little by little.

If you prefer to jog or run, follow the same advice. Start off slowly. Spend most of the first few days just walking. Then, start walking and running on the same day. Run or jog a short distance, then walk for a while, then run, then walk. Follow that pattern for 15-30 minutes a day. Slowly make each run longer and each walk shorter. Later on, you can increase your distance, speed, and exercise time.