Lose Weight, Ultimate Walking.

Pedestrianism isn't a new concept, in fact before the invention of the motor vehicle or the cart, and prior to the use of rafts or primitive wheeled vehicles. Unless you were fortunate enough to have the use of a horse, most of the people of the world had to be pedestrians to be able to travel anywhere.

In places like some remote parts of Africa, the native people still manage to travel vast distances by the use of their legs alone, and at a sustained speed that is faster than those of someone who is accustomed to the use of a vehicle.

The human body has an extraordinary capacity for physical activities, that most of us haven't even begun to tap into. With the exception of those with medical conditions that prevent them from walking, we all have the ability to venture much farther distances then we are currently aware of. I'm not suggesting that you immediately leave your home and attempt an epic walk from lands end to Scotland, what I am proposing however is that there are great benefits to be had from distance and speed walking.

Walking as a regular form of exercise can help you to lose weight, tone muscle, increase energy levels and improve stamina. It is easier on the joints then running or jogging and a much easier introduction to fitness then most sports or music to exercise classes. Then once you are more confident in your fitness ability, it may then spur you on to try other things. Walking is free you can do it anywhere, you can do as much or as little as you chose and it doesn't require any specialist equipment.

Ultimate walking is taking walking to it's extremes, there are three ways in which this is done and they can be practised singly, jointly or combined.

Going the distance;

This involves walking as far as you possibly can in a single effort. Its best not to attempt anywhere too far away to begin with, but to gradually build upon how far you walk in a single journey. It helps to keep a record of the distance covered each time, so that you can compare and analyse your progress. It doesn't matter how you measure the distance, it could be in miles or metres, just ensure that you always use the same unit of measurement otherwise you will not be able to accurately or fairly, identify your results.

Fast and furious;

If speed is more of your preference, then distance then you may want to consider trying to walk fast instead of far. This does not mean that you have to treat it like a race, only that you begin by increasing your stride to a slightly quicker pace then you would usually walk at. If you want to note your progression this way ensure that you walk the same distance each time, if you also walk the same route the data you collect will also be more accurate.

Stamina;

This is aimed at how long you can walk for a sustained amount of time without stopping. You do not have to measure time or distance, so its not about deadlines. It's more about endurance. This is probably the easiest to measure as you just time how long you can walk for continually. Do remember to make a note of the time you start and the time you finish.

A notable walking attempt was made by George Wilson back in 1805, however the 1000 miles in 1000 hours challenge was never completed. He was arrested, due to the drunken, overexcited crowds that had gathered. There was also a small heard of elephants present, and because of the potential risk of rioting, the whole event was called off. If he had completed his walk it is believed that it would have taken forty days, at a distance of 24 miles a day.