The Elements of Style

No two people walk quite the same way. Your style of walking is as individual as your fingerprints.

Stretch before and after walking. The heel-to-toe action of walking tends to tighten your calf muscles, so stretching the lower legs is important.

Start slowly at a comfortable pace.

Maintain good posture. Keep ears centered over shoulders, which should be centered over hips. Don’t slump. Keep your chest up and out and shoulders relaxed. With this posture there will be less chance of foot, leg, or back pain.

Heel first, rock, then swing the foot forward. Sounds simple, but as you walk faster it’s harder to maintain the rocking motion. Keep your foot swing natural.

Pace yourself. Use the target heart rate to set your pace. Walking at a moderate rate will increase your stamina.

Don’t forget to swing your arms.

Excerpted from: Getting In Shape © 2002
by Shelter Publications, Inc., Bolinas, CA