Walking is a simple exercise, so you don't need much equipment. If you are serious about walking, there are many types of equipment that improve the effectiveness of your exercise, increase your safety and make the experience more enjoyable. The more effective and fun your walking workouts are, the more fitness benefits you will enjoy.
Footwear
Wearing shoes with proper arch support and firm heels protects your feet and promotes good walking posture. The easiest way to find out what type of shoes will work best for you is to test out different models. Visit a sporting goods store and ask the staff to help you choose shoes suitable for long walks. Avoid shoes that are too roomy, otherwise you might develop blisters. Use flexible sole inserts if you need the fit to be a little more snug, but note that overly tight shoes might affect your walking style and lead to foot and ankle pain.
Safety
If you plan to walk outdoors at night, wear bright, vivid colors, reflective tape or other types of safety equipment that make it easy for nighttime drivers to see you. If loose dogs are a problem in your neighborhood, consider carrying a device for humanely warding off attacks. For example, carry a small can of pepper spray. Look for a brand designed to repel dogs, and read the directions carefully so that you know how to use it in an emergency situation.
Treadmill
If you live in a congested area where car traffic poses a continual hazard, or if you live in a region with frequent bad weather, consider buying a treadmill or joining a gym. Treadmills allow you to customize your workout by adjusting speed and incline. Most treadmills allow you to choose or design workout programs that vary the intensity of the exercise. For example, a typical treadmill walking program features a period of fast walking immediately followed by a period of casual walking.
Other Equipment
Pedometers keep track of how many steps you take, so wearing one throughout the day helps you determine how much walking you do in a typical day. Or you can wear a pedometer during your walking workouts to determine how much exercise you are getting. Some models even track calories burned and other fitness data. If you tend to get bored during workouts, a small MP3 player might improve the experience. Buy a model that is small enough to attach to your clothes or arm.
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