Walking for Exercise and Pleasure

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            For sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office
             Superintendent of Documents, Mail Stop: SSOP,
                       Washington, DC 20402-9328

         The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

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Walking:

An Exercise for All Ages

Walking is easily the most popular form of exercise. Other activities
generate more conversation and media coverage, but none of them
approaches walking in number of participants. Approximately half of the
165 million American adults (18 years of age and older) claim they
exercise regularly, and the number who walk for exercise is increasing
every year.

Walking is the only exercise in which the rate of participation does not
decline in the middle and later yearn. In a national survey, the highest
percentage of regular walkers (39.4%) for any group was found among men
65 years of age and older.

Unlike tennis, running, skiing, and other activities that have gained
great popularity fairly recently, walking has been widely practiced as a
recreational and fitness activity throughout recorded history. Classical
and early English literature seems to have been written largely by men
who were prodigious walkers, and Emerson and Thoreau helped carry on the
tradition in America. Among American presidents, the most famous walkers
included Jefferson, Lincoln, and Truman.

Walking today is riding a wave of popularity that draws its strength
from a rediscovery of walking's utility, pleasures, and health-giving
qualities. This booklet is for those who want to join that movement.


Walking:

The Slower, Surer Way to Fitness

People walk for many reasons: for pleasure ... to rid themselves of
tensions ... to find solitude ... or to get from one place to another.
Nearly everyone who walks regularly does so at least in part because of
a conviction that it is good exercise.

Often dismissed in the past as being "too easy" to be taken seriously,
walking recently has gained new respect as a means of improving physical
fitness. Studies show that, when done briskly on a regular. schedule, it
can improve the body's ability to consume oxygen during exertion, lower
the resting heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and increase the
efficiency of the heart and lungs. It also helps burn excess calories.

Since obesity and high blood pressure are among the leading risk factors
for heart attack and stroke, walking often protection against two of our
major killers.

Walking burns approximately the same amount of calories per mile as does
running, a fact particularly appealing to those who find it difficult to
sustain the jarring effects of long distance jogging. Brisk walking one
mile in 15 minutes burns just about the same number of calories as
jogging an equal distance in 81/2 minutes. In weight-bearing activities
like walking, heavier individuals will burn more calories than lighter
persons. For example, studies show that a 110-pound person burns about
half as many calories as a 216-pound person walking at the same pace for
the same distance.

Although increasing walking speed does not burn significantly more
calories per mile, a more vigorous walking pace will produce more
dramatic conditioning effects. When looking at the benefits to
heart/lung endurance, how far one improves depends on his/her initial
fitness level. Someone starting out in poor shape will benefit from a
slow speed of walking whereby someone in better condition would need to
walk faster and/or father to improve. Recent studies show that there are
also residual benefits to vigorous exercise. For a period of time after
a dynamic workout, one's metabolism remains elevated above normal which
results in additional calories burned.

In some weight-loss and conditioning studies, walking actually has
proven to be more effective than running and other more highly-touted
activities. That's because it's visually injury-free and has the lowest
dropout rate of any form of exercise.

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Like other forms of exercise. walking appears to have a substantial
psychological payoff. Beginning walkers almost invariably report that
they feel better and sleep better, and that their mental outlook
improves.

Walking also can exert a favorable influence on personal habits. For
example, smokers who begin walking often cut down or quit. There are two
reasons for this. One, it is difficult to exercise vigorously if you
smoke, and two, better physical condition encourages a desire to improve
other aspects of one's life.

In addition to the qualities it has in common with other activities,
walking has several unique advantages. Some of these are:

Almost everyone can do it.

You don't have to take lessons to learn how to walk. Probably all you
need to do to become a serious walker is step up your pace and distance
and walk more often.

You can do it almost anywhere.

All you have to do to find a place to walk is step outside your door.
Almost any sidewalk, street, road, trail, park, field, or shopping mall
will do. The variety of settings available is one of the things that
makes walking such a practical and pleasurable activity.

You can do it almost anytime.

You don't have to find a partner or get a team together to walk, so you
can set your own schedule. Weather doesn't pose the same problems and
uncertainties that it does in many sports. Walking is not a seasonal
activity. and you can do it in extreme temperatures that would rule out
other activities.

It doesn't cost anything.

You don't have to pay fees or join a private club to become a walker.
The only equipment required is a sturdy, comfortable pair of shoes.


Walking for Physical Fitness


What makes a walk a workout? It's largely a matter of pace and distance.
When you' re walking for exercise, you don't saunter, stroll, or
shuffle. Instead, you move out at a steady clip that is brisk enough to
make your heart beat faster and cause you to breathe more deeply.

Here are some tips to help you develop an efficient walking style:


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Hold head erect and keep back straight and abdomen flat. Toes should
point straight ahead and arms should swing loosely at sides.

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Land on the heel of the foot and roll forward to drive off the ball of
the foot. Walking only on the ball of the foot, or in a flat-footed
style, may cause fatigue and soreness.

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Take long, easy strides, but don't strain for distance. When walking up
or down hills, or at a very rapid pace, lean forward slightly.

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Breathe deeply (with mouth open, if that is more comfortable).

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What to Wear When Walking


A good pair of shoes is the only "special equipment" required by the
walker. Any shoes that are comfortable, provide good support, and don't
cause blisters or calluses will do, but here are some suggestions to
help you make your selection:

    * Good running shoes (the training models with heavy soles) are good
      walking shoes, as are some of the lighter trail and hiking boots
      and casual shoes with heavy rubber or crepe rubber soles.

   * Whatever kind of shoe you select, it should have arch supports and
     should elevate the heel one-half to three-quarters of an inch above
     the sole of the foot.

   * Choose a shoe with uppers made of materials that "breathe," such as
     leather or nylon mesh.

     Weather will dictate the rest of your attire. As a general rule,
you will want to wear lighter clothing than temperatures seem to
indicate. Walking generates lots of body heat.

     In cold weather, it's better to wear several layers of light
clothing than one or two heavy layers. The extra layers help trap heat,
and they are easy to shed if you get too warm. A wool watch cap or ski
cap also will help trap body heat and provide protection for the head in
very cold temperatures.


Walking Poses Few Health Risks


     If you are free of serious health problems, you can start walking
with confidence. Walking is not as strenuous as running, bicycling, or
swimming and consequently involves almost no risk to health. Of course,
this statement assumes that you will exercise good judgment and not try
to exceed the limits of your condition.

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     Most physicians recommend annual physical examinations for persons
over 40 or 45 years of age. Also, if you have high blood pressure or
other cardiovascular problems, you should consult your physician before
beginning any kind of exercise program.


Warmup and Conditioning Exercises


     Walking is good exercise for the legs, heart, and lungs, but it is
not a complete exercise program. Persons who limit themselves to walking
tend to become stiff and inflexible, with short, tight muscles in the
back and backs of the legs. They also may lack muscle tone and strength
in the trunk and upper body. These conditions can lead to poor posture
and chronic lower-back pain, a problem that partially cripples or
disables thousands of middle-aged and older Americans.

     The exercises that follow are designed to increase flexibility and
strength and to serve as a "warmup" for walking. Always do the exercises
before walking.

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     Stretcher Stand facing wall arms' length away. Lean forward and
place palms of hands flat against wall, slightly below shoulder height.
Keep back straight, heels firmly on floor, and slowly bend elbows until
forehead touches wall. Tuck hips toward wall and hold position for 20
seconds. Repeat exercise with knees slightly flexed.

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     Reach and Bend Stand erect with feet shoulder-width apart and arms
extended over head. Reach as high as possible while keeping heels on
floor and hold for 10 counts. Flex knees slightly and bend slowly at
waist, touching floor between feet with fingers. Hold for 10 counts (If
you can't touch the floor, try to touch the tops of your shoes.) Repeat
entire sequence 2 to 5 times.

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     Knee Pull Lie flat on back with legs extended and arms at sides.
Lock arms around legs just below knees and pull knees to chest, raising
buttocks slightly off floor. Hold for 10 to 15 counts. (If you have knee
problems, you may find it easier to lock arms behind knees.) Repeat
exercise 3 to 5 times.

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     Situp Several versions of the situp are listed in reverse order of
difficulty (easiest one listed first, most difficult one last). Start
with the situp that you can do three times without undue strain. When
you are able to do 10 repetitions of the exercise without great
difficulty, move on to a more difficult version.

1. Lie flat on back with arms at sides, palms down, and knees slightly
   bent. Cud head forward until you can see past feet, hold for three
   counts, then lower to start position. Repeat exercise 3 to 10 times.

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2. Lie flat on back with arms at sides, palms down, and knees slightly
   bent. Roll forward until upper body is at 45-degree angle to floor,
   then return to starting position. Repeat exercise 3 to 10 times.

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3. Lie flat on back with arms at sides, palms down, and knees slightly
   bent. Roll forward to sitting position, then return to starting
   position. Repeat exercise 3 to 10 times.

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4. Lie flat on back with arms crossed on chest and knees slightly bent.
   Roll forward to sitting position, then return to starting position.
   Repeat exercise 3 to 10 times.

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5. Lie flat on back with hands laced in back of head and knees slightly
   bent. Roll forward to sitting position, then return to starting
   position. Repeat exercise 3 to 15 times.

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How Far?. . . How Fast?,.. How Soon?


     Now that you have decided to begin walking for exercise, you may be
shocked at how poor your condition is. If at first you have difficulty
in meeting the standards suggested here, don't be discouraged. You can
systematically build your stamina and strength back to acceptable
levels. Patience is the key to success. Some experts say that it takes a
month of reconditioning to make up for each year of physical inactivity.

     No one can tell you exactly how far or how fast to walk at the
start, but you can determine the proper pace and distance by
experimenting. We recommend that you begin by walking for 20 minutes at
least four or five times a week at a pace that feels comfortable to you.
If that proves to be too tiring, or too easy, reduce or lengthen your
time accordingly.

     Some very old people and some people who are ill begin by walking
for one or two minutes, resting a minute, and repeating this cycle until
they begin to be fatigued. Where you have to start isn't important; it's
where you're going that counts.

     As your condition improves, you should gradually increase your time
and pace. After you have been walking for 20 minutes several days a week
for one month, start walking 30 minutes per outing. Eventually, your
goal should be to get to the place where you can comfortably walk three
miles in 45 minutes, but there is no hurry about getting there.

     The speed at which you walk is less important than the time you
devote to it, although we recommend that you walk as briskly as your
condition permits. It takes about 20 minutes for your body to begin
realizing the "training effects" of sustained exercise.

     The "talk test" can help you find the right pace. You should be
able to carry on a conversation while walking. If you're too breathless
to talk, you' re going too fast.

     The more often you walk, the faster you will improve. Three
workouts a week are considered to be a "maintenance level" of exercise.
More frequent workouts are required for swift improvement.


Listen to Your Body


     Listen to your body when you walk. If you develop dizziness, pain,
nausea, or any other unusual symptom, slow down or stop. If the problem
persists, see your physician before walking again.

     Don't try to compete with others when walking. Even individuals of
similar age and build vary widely in their capacity for exercise. Your
objective should be to steadily improve your own performance, not to
walk farther or faster than someone else.

     The most important thing is simply to set aside part of each day
and walk. No matter what your age or condition, it's a practice that can
make you healthier and happier.

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     Let your legs take you down the road to fitness and vitality

     Qualify for the Presidential Sports Award!

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QUALIFYING STANDARDS:


     The Qualifying Standards for the Award in Fitness Walking are:

1. Walk a minimum of 125 miles.

2. Each walk must be continuous, without pauses for rest, and the pace
   must be at least four (4) m.p.h. (15 minutes per mile).

3. No more than two and one-half (2 1/2) miles in any one day may be
   credited to total.


HOW TO EARN THE AWARD:


     Keep a record of your progress on the special Fitness Walking Log,
provided on the following page. When you've completed the Standards,
follow the remaining directions on the Log, mail it together with the
designated fee and you will receive the PRESIDENTIAL SPORTS AWARD,
recognizing your dedication to personal fitness and that you are part of
a national effort towards a more fit and vital America.


WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE:


   * A Presidential Certificate of Achievement.

   * A Presidential Sports Award Lapel Pin.

   * Membership Card.

     Any person 15 and older can qualify for the PRESIDENTIAL SPORTS
AWARD.

     Before undertaking any physical activity program, you should have a
thorough medical examination. This is especially important for persons
over 40 or for anyone who has not been physically active on a regular
basis.

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