Benefits of Walking

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 8, 1908

Benefits of Walking

THE average man does not walk enough. Most every man should walk from five to ten miles a day outdoors, besides outdoor and indoor exercise of other kinds. Never ride when you can take time to walk. Walking is the exercise that you should take the most of from youth to old age.

To do the most good, walking must not be taken by fits and starts, but in regular daily periods, say somewhat after this style. After breakfast walk an hour or so toward your office, store, or shop. After lunch walk for thirty minutes on the sunny side of the street when possible. After supper walk an hour or two before bedtime. If you follow this easy and simple rule, you will have walked from five to ten miles, or more, according to your speed, in the best and largest and healthiest of all gymnasiums—the great outdoors.

One vital rule you must obey in walking—stop short of fatigue. If you do not follow this rule, walking will do you more harm than good. Don't be guided in the length of your walks by what some other seasoned or unseasoned walker may do; be guided only by your own feeling. Gradually lengthen your walks week by week as the walking muscles gain in strength. Your daily walks should better fit you to take up your work or pleasure with greater zeal. Fairly fast walking in the outdoor air is nature's own hygienic stimulant to fit you again to take up the duties of life, and better to perform them.

Thoroughly to enjoy your walks you must dress loosely, especially around the neck and chest and waist. Wear easy-fitting, medium thick-soled and low-heeled shoes. Have two pairs of shoes; wear one pair one day and the other the next; this will ease your feet, and your shoes will last longer. Keep the mouth shut and carry the chest high; lean the body a little forward, bend the knees a little, take an easy and not too long stride, and move smoothly along on your way. A perfect walk is a sort of glide; it is a joy to do, and a pleasure to see.

Don't dress too warmly or heavily, as this will hinder the free play of your arms, body, and legs. The more you are outdoors moving around moderately fast, the less liable will you be to catch cold; for your system is stronger to resist anything that might work it ill.

The man who lives outdoors is generally healthier and longer lived than one who lives indoors.—Selected.