Whatever your fitness goal?greater energy, better cardiovascular health, stress reduction, weight control, emotional tranquillity?walking can help you achieve it. Walking for Health has an emphasis on effective techniques, helping you get more out of any walk. There are also specially tailored walking programs to meet the needs of all walkers, for beginners, intermediates, and the advanced; for a healthy heart or bad back; for weight loss; or simply to get away from stress and to get back to happiness. The book also looks in depth at the different walking terrains and environments and the effects this can have on your walking. Health matters are also addressed, from the importance of eating for energy and keeping hydrated, to dealing with minor problems that walkers often experience like muscle strains and the dreaded blisters. Plus, it contains information about organizing or joining a walking group for those who want to stroll and socialize.
Dr. William Bird is a GP based in the UK. He is a founder member of the Walking the Way to Health initiative, supported by The British Heart Foundation and the UK Countryside Agency. Dr. Bird is also the medical advisor to The National Centre for Physical Activity Promotion at Loughborough University. He has written for several publications and is currently the medical editor of a leading health website (based near Reading). Veronica Reynolds leads fitness walks for people of all ages and fitness levels. She brings to the book her knowledge of motivation and fitness. Also a spokesperson for the Countryside Agency, Veronica has walked in all terrains around the world (based Goring on Thames).