The Complete Guide to Walking for Health, Weight Loss and Fitness by Fenton, Mark (2007) Paperback

This comprehensive, approachable guide to all things walking is conversational in tone and gives a wealth of information about walking without being dry. The focus here is on fitness and health, not weight loss per se, which is refreshing. My favorite quote from the book is: "In an ideal world... our greatest concern about our bodies would simply be wringing the most life out of them. We'd want the longest, healthiest, most energetic, active adventurous lives our bodies could offer." I checked out the first edition of this book from the library and did a page-by page comparison to see what had changed. There are exactly the same number of pages as the first edition and only the title of one subchapter has changed. Some of the resources in back have been updated, but that info could be found for free with a google search. The introduction has been re-written and the author's bio on the back cover has been updated (he has since left Walking Magazine and has appeared in the movie Super Size Me). Other than these updates, there is almost NO change here from the first edition. Bottom line: this book is the best comprehensive guide to walking for fitness and health, but no need to buy this one if you already have the first edition.

I have read many books on walking, and this is by far the best. It is good for the novice or expert and contains a great progressional walking program that you can jump into at any point.

I've bought this book four times now, because I show my copy to a family member or friend and they get so excited about it, I give them my copy and then have to go buy another one. This is the best walking book I've ever come across, with good information for the total beginner or the experience walker who just wants some extra motivation. Buy it!

The Complete Guide to Walking is everthing you need to get started with (or to get better at) a walking program. Mark Fenton covers just about every topic you can think of asking about, from beginning to advanced programs, gearing up for walks, and treadmills, to stretching, nutrition, strength training, and getting you motivated and enthusiastic about walking. His easy writing style, his humor and enthusiasm go a long way to get you off the couch and out the door to enjoy all the pleasures of a good walk. The book itself is beautifully laid out with many color photos, interesting sidebars and stories, and a one-year log incorporated into the book to help you along. The resource list is comprehensive, with clubs, apparel, gear manufacturers, strollers, and walkable-community information. I am using this book as my guide for weight loss and better health, and give it my highest recommendation. If you've never been able to get with any kind of physical activity consistently, this is the book that will help you do it!