Walking has to be the most fundamental human fitness activity. Walking offers distinct fitness benefits no matter what shape you’re in:
- A walking program is convenient and easy to start. You can do it almost anywhere. All you need is decent shoes.
- If you’re not very fit, start slow and don’t go far. Build up speed and distance gradually. (If you suffer risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure or chest pain, talk to your doctor first.)
- It burns calories and helps to keep your weight down.
When you begin, walk slowly enough so you can talk at the same time. Walk at least 30 minutes a day, which studies show, may decrease your risk of dying before your time. If you can’t walk 30 minutes all at once, break it up into several segments over the day.