Walking for Fitness, Pleasure and Health

Walking is no longer a physical activity reserved for those who are too lazy to exercise. Thousands of women are discovering the wonder of walking to improve their health, fitness, stress levels and social interactions.

Walking has a particular appeal to women as they adapt to the changing stages of life – from pushing prams or combating work stresses, to battling their bulges and warding off ailments in later life.

It also suits women because it fits in with the balance of career and family, and because, more than most men, they like the social aspect of walking about in little groups, nattering, supporting each other and maintaining networks.

Written by long-time walker Helen Vause and including a foreword from the co-founder of walking group Wonder Walkers Dame Susan Devoy, Walking for Fitness, Pleasure and Health is the walker's ultimate guide. Containing chapters on how to start walking, clothing and equipment, motivation, weight loss, nutrition, walking with children, pedometers, training for events, and much more, there's something for everyone of all levels of walking expertise.

It doesn't matter whether you walk the dog, whether you are a race walker or an avid tramper. When people ask if you exercise, you should no longer feel embarrassed to say you "only walk". Walking is now being recognised as a great form of valid exercise.