With so many benefits (low cost, low risk, can be done almost anywhere, essential for health and wellbeing), it's no wonder that walking is one of the most popular forms of exercise throughout the world. Whatever your fitness goal in life - greater energy, better cardiovascular health, stress reduction, weight control, emotional tranquillity - walking can help you achieve it. Walking for Health and Happiness is your essential guide to all things a pied. It inspires you to get your walking shoes out and comes complete with all the latest information and medical research. The heart of the book is its emphasis on effective techniques, helping you get more out of any walk. There are also specially tailored walking programmes to meet the needs of all walkers - for beginners, intermediates and the advanced; for a healthy heart or bad back; for weight loss, and to get away from stress and to get back to happiness. The book also looks in depth at the different walking terrains and environments and the effects this can have on your walking. Health matters are also addressed, from the importance of eating for energy and keeping hydrated, to dealing with minor problems that walkers often experience like muscle strains and the dreaded blisters. Plus, it contains information about organising or joining a walking group for those who want to stroll and socialise. Finally, the last chapter is dedicated to the walker's kit, detailing the equipment that makes walking more effective, safer and enjoyable.