Even if you are way out of shape it is easy to begin walking and build up to walking a few miles a day in a relatively short period of time. The results of walking are almost immediate. You will begin to feel stronger and have more energy, lose pounds and inches, see increased muscle tone and you will be going a long way towards preventing strokes and heart disease as well as a myriad of other health problems that come with a sedentary lifestyle. There is virtually no one with the exception of the aforementioned that will not benefit from a regular program of walking.



Unlike many other exercise programs such as aerobics, spinning classes, weightlifting, etc. walking does not require you to spend a lot of money on equipment or join a gym. It is very inexpensive to get started walking for exercise, all you need is a good pair of supportive walking shoes.

When choosing a good walking shoe, as when choosing a running shoe, it is very important to make sure that you have a proper fit to avoid any injury. You need the shoe to fit snug but not too snug to keep from getting sore arches, blisters, and sprained ankles as well as to help protect your knees and lower back. Look for walking shoes that have a good supportive arch and plenty of cushioning on the inside. If you tend to have wider feet be sure to take the extra time to find a shoe that accommodates your foot.

Remember that just because a shoe looks like a walking shoe doesn't necessarily mean that it is recommended for walking. Be sure that you choose shoes that are specifically designed for walking. This will save you from future discomfort or injury. If you are going to be serious about your walking and intend to walk in any kind of weather then it is also recommended that you get shoes that are waterproof. If you do decide to walk in any kind of weather remember to protect your feet. If it is extremely cold outside you may want to also wear a couple of pairs of socks to help keep your feet warmer.