Home > Fitness Training > Workouts > Aerobic > Walking > Dos and Don'ts

Although walking is simple and easy, you still need to remember a few basic “dos” and “don’ts.” Life’s short, so be smart and safe. Here are some walking dos and don'ts of walking.

• Don’t walk after dark.
• Don’t walk in high-crime areas.
• Don’t walk on the road or highway.
• Don’t walk in sparsely populated areas.
• Do your research about appropriate routes to follow.
• Do tell someone where you plan to walk and when you are expected back.
• Do use the buddy system if you are walking early in the morning or at dusk.

• Do carry identification, emergency contact information, several dollars, and preferably your cell phone.
• Do wear reflective clothing if walking early in the morning or at dusk.
• Do dress in layers for cold weather, including a hat.
• Do stay hydrated. Always carry water with you, especially if it is hot.
• Do spend the first five minutes of your walk warming up, before kicking it into full gear.
• Do cool down by stretching. Key areas to stretch are hip flexors, hamstrings, and the calves.

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Related Pages

• Walking for Fitness Tips
• Why Walk? — many great reasons to go walking.
• Stretch Before and After You Walk — a few stretches suitable for your warm-up before you start your walk.
• Walking for Fitness
• All about Aerobic Endurance Fitness
• Walking Fitness Tests