Written by two movement experts, Michael J. Gelb and Bruce Fertman, Walking Well is a book strongly advocating the power of steps. But it’s not about getting out and walking; it’s about walking well to enjoy the experience and gain from the endeavor.

Much of this begins in the mind.

Fear of falling or past traumas can create a habitual walking pattern that negatively impacts one’s stride. The first few chapters walk—pun intended—the reader through the process of breaking through these self-imposed restraints. This might include tensing one’s foot or ankle gripping—habits that could lead to injury. Through activities, metaphors, and mental shifts, they teach you how to improve the quality and experience of walking, moving into a more enjoyable and advantageous step and pace.

I especially appreciated their introduction to this book, deciphering the difference between “transportational” and “transformational” walking. Then, they outline how to implement this distinction through explanations and exercises.

They go on to share how walking is beneficial to health, vitality, and cognitive function, especially as we age. The effects on physical flexibility, arterial health, and overall functioning are surprising and impressive. Just a short ten-minute walk produces “significant metabolic benefits.” The overwhelming evidence on the advantages of walking is summed up with the belief that if every doctor prescribed at least thirty minutes a day, prescription dependency would probably decrease.

This is a compendium of research on the advantages of walking on the body, mind, and spirit. It quotes renowned advocates of walking and supports them with science.

The book includes anything and everything you could think of about walking, including quotes from famous walkers—authors, celebrities, philosophers, etc. The authors discuss the power of group walking to resolve challenges, forge relationships, and increase productivity and cohesiveness in the workplace. From body confidence, cultural references, and historical impacts to “regeniusing” and recovery, I can’t imagine the authors left a stone unturned.

It only takes one page for the reader to deduce the authors are passionate about the subject, citing not only the health benefits but the indescribable experience being outside in nature has on the mind.

Book and Image Courtesy of New World Library