Experts advise walking briskly on most days. Aim for a target of 30 minutes on most days, or 150 or more minutes a week. Walking programs can help you reach this goal by slowly increasing the frequency and the amount of time you walk. Try this walking program:

• Walk 3 times a week.
• Walk for 5 minutes each time.

• Walk 3 times a week.
• Walk for 10 minutes each time.

• Walk 3 times a week.
• Walk for 13 minutes each time.

• Walk 3 times a week.
• Walk for 15 minutes each time.

• Walk 4 times a week.
• Walk for 15 minutes each time.

Gradually increase the number of times you walk each week and the number of minutes you walk each time. Do this until you reach 30 minutes on 5 to 7 days of the week.

• Walk briskly. If you can sing, speed up. If you can't talk easily, slow down.
• Choose good walking shoes with padded soles and good arch support.
• Don't use hand or ankle weights. They can cause injuries.
• Walk indoors if the weather is bad. Use a treadmill or walk inside a shopping mall.

Before you start walking, check with your healthcare provider if you are new to exercise, older than age 40, overweight, or a smoker. Also check with your provider if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, or any other health problems. Your provider can help you get started and stay safe.