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. Nearly everyone who walks regularly does so at least in part because of a conviction that it is good exercise.
Studies show that, when done briskly on a regular.
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. In weight-bearing activities like walking, heavier individuals will burn more calories than lighter persons. Although increasing walking speed does not burn significantly more calories per mile, a more vigorous walking pace will produce more dramatic conditioning effects.