Walking is such a great physical activity. It's easy to do, requires no special equipment, and people of almost any fitness ability can do it. Beyond that, it's a perfect way to get the whole family involved in fitness. But if you're really trying to boost your fitness level, walking may not seem vigorous enough.

To get a little more out of your walk, you can pick up the pace. But be sure to do so safely and correctly:

• Pump your arms. Keep your elbows in (no chicken arms!) and keep your hands in loose fists. Pump your arms a little more quickly and your feet will follow.
• Tilting forward. Good Housekeeping recommends keeping your back and head straight, but leaning forward a little bit. Other sites disagree with that advice, though. Try the lean and see if it's comfortable for you. Remember -- lean or no lean -- keep your back straight and don't hunch over.
  
• Tighten your tummy. Keep your stomach muscles tight and raise your upper body while walking.
• Keep a natural stride. When you're trying to walk faster, the natural tendency is to elongate your stride. Resist that urge and keep a comfortable, natural stride.

Source

Why don't more people power-walk? I think it comes down to fear, and embarrassment. The thought that "nobody else is out there doing it, so there must be a reason...what am I missing?"

Truth is there is no reason, not a good one anyway. Just not many people get into power-walking, (or speed-walking, or race-walking, or whatever else you want to call it), but it's great exercise and is easier on your joints than running or jogging. Sure, you might feel a little funny at first (or look a little funny, lets be honest), but why let that stop you if it sounds like fun? Get yourself a buddy (strength in numbers!), avoid busy streets and pathways until you get more comfortable, and most importantly do it for yourself only and don't let what other people think bother you!

Source

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.

Source