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My only one complaint about the book – and this struck me immediately – was that it was illustrated throughout with photos of very young, very good-looking and very skinny walkers. What about those of us who have, maybe, passed our prime, might not be America’s Next Top Model and who are just in this game for a really strong, fit and well-toned body to glide us through our middle-aged years? One or two photos of ‘normal’ walkers would have been very much appreciated! The book is targeted at the original ‘couch potato’ so the illustrations should reflect a little bit of that. This would be my only negative comment.

Other than that, I would be very happy to recommend the book to anyone who is thinking of increasing their fitness routine, even starting from scratch or indeed anyone who currently is a walker and wants to push it up a gear or two. It’s very good value for the abundance of information it provides.

I am happy to continue to be part of my neighbourhood’s ‘landscape’ and have, I am happy to say, inspired others to put on their walking shoes and get out and move. It’s free, it’s invigorating and it’s most rewarding.

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As a recognized health and fitness expert, I am often asked about what I consider to be the best form of exercise, especially for new exercisers. And while I extoll the benefits of Pilates I also realize that for many people even having to buy a mat or learn a new way of moving is too complex.

So I usually recommend walking. It’s cheap (and can even save you money on gas, taxi, or public transportation), easy, requires no special equipment other than a pair of good shoes, can be done anywhere (inside, outside, rain or shine), and helps your stamina, endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and bone density. Really, there isn’t much more you can ask for in an exercise!

Mark Fenton has been called “America’s reigning guru of walking” for good reason. One, his style is approachable and easy to read and understand; two, he has all the scientific data to back up his claims about walking; three, he offers many different walking programs from basic to hills to racewalking. No matter what your fitness level you can open this book and find the perfect starting point for your walking program and then follow your progression every week.

But this book is not just about walking. Fenton manages to slip in some core strengthening, some light weight work, and other exercise activities that will help you get even stronger and more flexible as you continue walking. He also offers diet and nutrition strategies and discusses the role of walking in weight loss, diabetes control, heart health, cancer prevention, and emotional well being. Throughout he offers inspirational real life stories from walkers of all ages and backgrounds, such as diabetic Carol Thompson, 69 year old Mel Smagorinsky, commuter Kristen Trebeche, and rookie marathoner Amy Dawson.

From how to pick out a good pair of walking shoes (and why running shoes are not a good option) to how to buy a good treadmill, from the best walking baby strollers to the most comfortable yet functional backpacks, from heart rate monitors to pedometers, from how to burn more calories to how to stretch after your walk, this book answers every possible question and concern you may have about walking and fitness.

If you want to start a walking program at any age or fitness level The Complete Guide to Walking is a must-have book that you will refer to and use for years. Buy it, use it, and help make the world a healthier happier walking friendly place!

Rating:

I checked out the first edition of this book from the library and did a page-by page comparison to see what had changed. There are exactly the same number of pages as the first edition and only the title of one subchapter has changed. Some of the resources in back have been updated, but that info could be found for free with a google search. The introduction has been re-written and the author’s bio on the back cover has been updated (he has since left Walking Magazine and has appeared in the movie Super Size Me). Other than these updates, there is almost NO change here from the first edition.

Bottom line: this book is the best comprehensive guide to walking for fitness and health, but no need to buy this one if you already have the first edition.