For me, nothing helps the stress of the day melt away better than a good long walk in the evening. Unfortunately, my walking companion is usually my English Bulldog, so our pace is more leisurely than fitness-oriented. Serious race walkers could walk circles around me and my sluggish pup!

Race walking isn't just a matter of walking really fast; there's a specific technique and form to follow. The pace is similar to running, but the movement is subtly different. In race walking, the walker makes contact with the ground at all times and the advancing leg is straightened (not bent as it is in running). If you've ever seen someone walking super fast with their arms flailing about wildly, they're not using proper race walking form. Race walkers use their hips to extend their stride length and, keeping arms at relaxed 90-degree angle, pump their arms naturally.

Walking is a convenient and easy activity to enjoy. Once you learn the proper techniques of race walking and develop the muscles used, you can turn your evening walks into something more athletic. Walker-friendly events are held year-round throughout the country. Start with a 5K or 10K and work your way up to a half-marathon or marathon.