Call it power walking, fitness walking, or just plain walking.Indoors or out, walking is one of the healthiest and most rewardingforms of exercise available to all sorts of people, young and old.In fact, walking burns about the same number of calories per mileas running (and it's a lot easier on your knees). Walking is one ofthe most adaptable workout activities around - you canwalk for an hour straight to make your walking program effectiveand to achieve your goals, or you can accumulate this hour over thecourse of a day.Fitness Walking For Dummies is for anyone who wants tostart an exercise program but may not have the knowledge ormotivation to do it. If you're already a walking fanatic, you'llfind out how to become a better fitness walker. Thiseasy-to-understand guide is also for those who are on track to* Lose weight* Decrease blood pressure* Control cholesterol* Relieve stress* Prevent heart disease* Deal with depressionExplore what it takes to begin an exercise program by settinggoals, choosing shoes, and considering nutrition to optimize yourworkout. Fitness Walking For Dummies also covers thefollowing topics and more:* Warm-up and cool-down routines* Strength training* The four levels of walking: Lifestyle, Fitness, High-Energy,Walk-Run* Weight-training routines and stretches that add variety* Buying and using a treadmill* Age, pregnancy, and walking with your dog* Dealing with pain and injuriesLike 67 million other people in the United States who log over201 million miles a year, you want to take advantage of all of thegreat things a regular walking program can do for you. Whether yourgoal is to improve your health or your appearance, lose weight, getstronger, feel good about yourself, or all of the above, walkingcan help you get to where you want to go. This book can help you dothat by showing you everything you need to know about starting andmaintaining a walking program.