Walking is one of the best cardiovascular exercises. It's easy, convenient and free. It's low-impact and unlike running, does not pose as much injury to the joints. However, like any workout regimen, a successful walking workout requires a great deal of motivation. If you don't have a goal for your walk, you can't expect to stick long with your walking workout. You also need to be motivated so you can tailor your walk training plan to fit your needs and purpose.

Begin by asking yourself why you want to walk. Do you want to do it because you want to prevent cardiovascular disease and stay healthy or do you want to do it because you want to enjoy the great outdoors? Or maybe you want to put on your walking shoes because you need to lose weight? Whether it's any of these reasons or a combination of them all, the intensity of your walk and the frequency will largely be determined by the goal that fuels it.

Then, schedule your first walk. Make a big deal of it. It would be ideal if you can begin your walk on a weekend or when you will have the rest of the day free. This way, you don't have to rush and can take all the time you need. Since this is your first walk, you might want to take your time and regulate your pace. Don't rush.

You walk training plan should also include an unwritten rule to walk when and where you can. Find the time to walk to and from work. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. These changes may not count much when you think about it but when you add up all your walking minutes, you will notice that they work to bring you closer to your goals.

The most important aspect of your walk training plan is your weekly schedule. Make sure that you include the time you started and ended your workout, the number of steps you took and your impressions about each walk. Also, see to it that you include rest times as well as other activities you might want to incorporate in your training regimen.

Vary your walks. Learn the different kinds of walking exercises. Learn how to do power walks, interval walks or a leisurely stroll. Strive to improve your walking technique each time you walk. When you continue to become aware of how your body moves, you will eventually develop what is known as "walking efficiency." You will be able to exercise more muscles in far less time.

If you must buy any equipment to help you gauge the efficiency of your walking workouts, it is recommended that you invest in a pedometer. It's a device that measures the number of steps you take in a day. Aside from the fact that it makes recording your workouts easier and more objective, studies show that those who wear a pedometer are encouraged to walk more.

Finally, if you want to engage in a walking regimen, don't procrastinate. Outline your walk training plan and get walking today!