A "How-to" Manual for Beginning Walkers

No matter what our fitness level, most of us at least think about getting started with our own fitness program when those around us are excited. This is especially true in January when everyone is making New Year's resolutions. For lots of folks, that initial enthusiasm wanes when the demands of work and home increase, if the weather is gloomy or at the first signs of overwork/overload fatigue.

There are a few marathons that like to advertise that they are "walker friendly". Are they really, or is it just good advertising?

Did you know that only about 18% of Americans exercise three or more days a week? That's meant as neither boast nor chastisement. It does point out that, if you find yourself struggling to find the time to honor your commitment to a regular routine, you're in good company!

I guess I'm overly sensitive about walker safety because one of my walkers was killed while crossing the road on one of her training walks a few years back. So, please bear with me for my annual "Be seen, Keep safe" campaign.

In the stage version of "Man of La Mancha", Don Quixote's faithful servant, Sancho Ponza admonishes his master, " . . . it doesn't much matter whether the pot hits the rock or the rock hits the pot. Either way it's going to be bad for the pot!"

In the "old days", they called it "cross training"--it was all the rage to include a wide range of aerobic activities into your weekly routine--walking, bicycling, step aerobics, etc. And then, it fell out of fashion. Was it a great idea? Should we all be doing activities in addition to walking every week?

 Yes.

 And, no!