Walking Works

Walking Works

Walking Basics 

Before you start your walking program, be sure to follow a few basic principles that will keep you safe and comfortable.

  • If you have a health condition or have not done any regular physical activity for a long time (men over 40, women over 50), talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
  • Choose comfortable, supportive shoes, such as running, walking, or cross training shoes, or light hiking boots.
  • If you’re going for a longer walk, warm up with stretching exercises and include a cool-down period to reduce stress on your heart and muscles.
  • Maintain a brisk pace. You should work hard to keep up your pace but still be able to talk while walking.
  • Practice correct posture – head upright, arms bent at the elbow and swinging as you stride.
  • Drink plenty of water before, during and after walking to cool working muscles and keep your body hydrated.

Your WalkingWorks Plan 

To avoid injury, it is important to start out slowly. Unless you are already walking a lot, it may take a while before you reach the 10,000 steps goal. Follow these steps to establish your individual goal and shape your program:

  1. BASELINE. If you are using a pedometer, count your steps for seven days; if you don’t have a pedometer, follow the recommendations of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports – begin with 30 minutes of brisk-paced walking at least five days each week. Keep a log to track the amount of daily walking activity you are currently doing. This will establish your baseline. Include all of your normal walking activities, such as walking up the stairs at home, walking to work, etc. At the end of each day, tally your total steps in the walking log. If you are not using a pedometer, keep track of the minutes you spend walking.
  2. BENCHMARK. Your benchmark is the highest number of steps you walked on any given day while establishing your baseline the first week. Use that number as your daily goal for the second and third weeks. Log your daily walks, and at the end of the third week, review your log. If you averaged your goal, add another 500 steps or several more minutes to your daily goal for the fourth and fifth weeks.
  3. BUILD. At the end of each 2-week period, try to add 500 steps or several more minutes to your walking goal. If you had difficulty reaching your goal, walk at the same level until you build enough endurance to increase your target. Continue to log your activity to prevent slipping back or dropping out. If you find yourself falling behind your average daily goal, try not to become discouraged. To maintain your motivation, keep logging your progress and stay with the same number of steps or minutes instead of increasing your target.

Keep in mind that 10,000 steps may not be a realistic goal for everyone. If you are very overweight or have other chronic health problems, talk with your doctor to determine a goal that may be more appropriate.