Walking is easily the most popular form of exercise. Other activities generate more media coverage, but none of them approaches walking in number of participants. Approximately half of the 165 American adults (18 years of age and older) claim they exercise regularly, and the number who walk for exercise is increasing every day.

Walking is the only exercise in which the rate of participation does not decline in the middle and later years.

Walking burns approximately the same amount of calories per mile as does running, a fact particularly appealing to those who find it difficult to sustain the jarring effects of long distance jogging. Brisk walking one mile in 15 minutes burns just about the same number of calories as jogging an equal distance in 8 1/2 minutes. In weight-bearing activities like walking, heavier individuals will burn more calories than lighter persons. For example, studies show that a 110-pound person burns about half as many calories as a 216 pound person walking at the same pace for the same distance.

Walking for exercise should feel different from from a causal walk, set out a good pace use long strides that feel comfortable and keep with it. Let your arms swing and muscles stretch.

Walking is a great way to drain off panic and dangerous impulses.