I have a strong distaste for physical activity. I really am a lazy person and I am not afraid to admit it. So, instead of running, jogging or hitting the gym, I power walk outside. I walk at a very fast pace and swing my arms back and forth. I do this once per day for about 45 minutes. It is easy on my joints and gets my heart rate up. Does anyone else power walk?

I power walk whenever I need a break from my regular exercise routine. It feels good, and I'm always tickled by the way people stare at me in amusement.

I was also self-conscious when I first began power walking. That faded away with time. My health is more important than how others perceive me. I might look funny swinging my arms but I don't care! They can laugh all they want.

I do a variation on power walking. While I'm walking on the trail, I stretch my arms and move them around in opposing circles, like a pitcher warming up with both arms. It looks kooky, but it feels great. I learned it in high school!

I actually do something similar. You don't get a full body workout when power walking so you really should attempt to move your arms in various manners. Hey, if no one is around on the trail then you won't fear looking kooky! I don't care if people think I am kooky. Because I am! Also, hold your head up high, towards the sky, when you walk. It helps you breathe more easily.

I power walk the treadmill and also felt lazy until a)realised I wasn't the only one b)the PT said it's just as good as running and to carry on as I'm comfortable!

It is in fact better than running. You are helping your joints in the long run. There are many stories of people detaching their retinas due to running on hard surfaces. The body is not built for that type of vibration.

Wow, I hadn't heard of detached retinas related to running. That's frightening. I have heard that running on hard-surfaced paths is very bad for your knees.

I started out power walking earlier this year when the weather was nice, but when the heat and humidity kicked in (I live in the deep south) I took the exercise indoors and started doing workout DVDs. Now that the weather has cooled back off, though, I'll be able to get back outside to the walking track again.