Home
Walkability Study
Article: Brisk Walking
We recommend brisk walking for at least 30 minutes five days per week. Now
that we are into the fifth week of the WV Walks campaign, many, many folks have
asked, "What is 'brisk walking'?" Brisk refers to the speed, or the pace.
Brisk walking is the pace you would use if you were walking somewhere. The
concept is simple. If you were to walk from your office to the post office, for
example, you would self-select a moderate-intensity pace that is brisk. Because
this is a natural pace for most people, I encourage folks to not be concerned
about the pace. If you are walking for at least 10 minutes at a time and moving
toward a destination, you will be doing moderate intensity physical activity in
accordance with the recommendation of the U.S. Surgeon General.
It might be easier to say what brisk walking is not. Brisk walking is not
strolling, as you might do when you are shopping. Brisk walking is not power
walking, as you might aggressively do if you were attempting to improve your
cardiovascular fitness in a short period of time. Rather, brisk walking is truly
individual. Depending on your age, body weight and fitness level, you will be
walking at a speed that is specific to you.
We recommend that you walk briskly for at least 30 minutes five days per week.
Keep in mind that the more you do, the better off you are -- that is, up to a
point. Any good behavior can be ruined by doing it to excess.
One of the more enjoyable events of the WV WALKS campaign will occur this
Saturday, April 23rd. We will be hosting the Intergenerational Walk "Be Alive as
Long as You Live" at the Hazel Ruby McQuain amphitheater. Registration begins at
11:00 AM with a 12 noon start time for the walk. Walkers of all generations are
encouraged to attend. The Kitchenaire band will provide entertainment. The walk
is in honor of Lawrence Frankel, originator of the Preventacare Exercise Program
for seniors. Food and fun are assured.
Tomorrow, April 18, Dr. Richard Ham will be presenting "Walking and Aging" at
the Monongalia County Health Department from 5 to 6 pm as part of The Dominion
Post lecture series. Please join us. If you have questions about Dr. Ham's
presentation, or about WV Walks, feel free to contact me at 293-0763.
Isn't it time you started walking?