Did you know that it is estimated that a 150-pound person who walks 2.5 miles in an hour will burn approximately 210 calories? 

  Wendy Holmes, M.S., manager of Student Services and adjunct faculty for health and wellness and physical education classes, Baptist College of Health Sciences, provides some tips and techniques for walking, along with a list of health benefits. Health care professionals recommend that you see your physician before beginning any exercise program. 

Tips:

• Be sure to warm up.
• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
• Wear a good pair of shoes — choose shoes with a firm heel cup for stability and plenty of room for the toes, so they can spread out as they push off.

Techniques:

• Dont overstride. Let your steps fall naturally.
• Stand tall.
• Gently pull in your stomach muscles to keep your back from arching.
• For more effective walking, bend your elbows at 90 degrees and swing.

Benefits:

• Walking can help you lose weight. 
• Walking improves both muscle tone and strength.
• Walking improves cardiovascular efficiency.
• Walking reduces stress.
• Walking improves bone density.
• Walking protects against type 2 diabetes.
• Walking is inexpensive.
• Walking is an ideal exercise for consistent, lifelong aerobic conditioning.