Don't schlep!

How you walk is as important as how long or far you walk. Stride right, and you will improve posture and back issues; walk the wrong way and you could introduce problems with your back or legs. And if you walk slowly, you might get some benefit, but nothing like the benefit you get from doing a power walk using good walking form.

Here are some things I do to get a good workout (I base my walking tips on conversations with doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors) :

1. Moderate strides at a fast pace. Taking too big a stride can put a strain on your hips and back.
2. Push off the toes. It took several weeks of consciously adjusting my stride to do this, but I now find if I push off my toes with each stride, I am propelled faster and move quickly. It's a better workout and it uses more muscles in the feet and legs.
3. No "sidewinder" motions with the arms. I sometimes see speedwalkers flinging their arms way in front of them, then swing them high behind them. This is wasted movement that again may put a strain on the upper back and neck. Smaller, arm movements work better.

The overall idea is to walk fast with shorter strides, and make it as aerobic as possible. After 20-30 minutes, I'm usually sweating. If I'm not, I haven't walked fast enough!

Feel free to add your walking tips in the comments!