"Fitness Walking for Dummies" is not just for dummies, but its easy-to-use style makes it perfect for fitness walkers of all levels from those who want to stroll around the block to those who want to do high intensity walk training. However, the book stops short of racewalk technique and training for long distance such as the marathon.
Trusting The Advice
Liz Neporent has a master's degree in exercise physiology and many certifications by exercise and fitness organizations. Throughout the book she gives solid and safe advice in exercise, training and diet.
Step By Step
Part 1: Getting Started takes you through finding out all of your numbers - knowing what your personal starting point is. Then you can go through the goal-setting process, and on to getting the right shoes (excellent advice), proper nutrition, and setting up your walking program.
Part II: Basic Training breaks walkers into logical categories with solid advice and training for each: Lifestyle Walking, Fitness Walking, High-Energy Walking, and Walk-Run. Each has technique, routines and schedules, calorie counters, and great advice.
Part III: Beyond the Basics has the essentials to a well-rounded exercise program: strength training and stretches with photos and descriptions, plus advanced walking routines to build speed and endurance. There are special chapters for pregnant walkers, older walkers and dog walkers and a complete treadmill section. The chapter on common problems such as blisters, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, etc. is excellent and Liz's background ensures the advice is valid.
Part IV: The Part of Tens is a fun section on gadgets, ways to stay motivated, and walking information sources. I was tickled to see my Walking.about.com site listed as well as the American Volkssport Association.
Where to Go Next
The reference section is chockfull of websites, email, phone and addresses you will want at hand. I rate this as one of the best all-around fitness walking books on the market, a reference that is easy to read and an essential to the library of any fitness walker. It would be a great gift to someone you love who needs to get walking.
