Of all exercises, this is the most simple and easy. The weight of the
body rests on one foot, while the other is advanced; it is then thrown
upon the advanced foot, while the other is brought forward; and so on
in succession. In this mode of progression, the slowness and equal
distribution of motion is such, that many muscles are employed in a
greater or less degree; each acts in unison with the rest; and the
whole remains compact and united. Hence, the time of its movements
may be quicker or slower, without deranging the union of the parts,
or the equilibrium of the whole. It is owing to these circumstances,
that walking displays so much of the character of the walker,--that
it is light and gay in women and children, steady and grave in
men and elderly persons, irregular in the nervous and irritable,
measured in the affected and formal, brisk in the sanguine, heavy in
the phlegmatic, and proud or humble, bold or timid, &c., in strict
correspondence with individual character.
The utility of walking exceeds that of all other modes of progression.
While the able pedestrian is independent of stage coaches and hired
horses, he alone fully enjoys the scenes through which he passes, and
is free to dispose of his time as he pleases. To counterbalance these
advantages, greater fatigue is doubtless attendant on walking: but
this fatigue is really the result of previous inactivity; for daily
exercise, gradually increased, by rendering walking more easy and
agreeable, and inducing its more frequent practice, diminishes fatigue
in such a degree, that very great distances may be accomplished with
pleasure, instead of painful exertion.
Moderate walking exercises the most agreeable influence over all the
functions. In relation to health, walking accelerates respiration
and circulation, increases the temperature and cutaneous exhalation,
and excites appetite and healthful nutrition. Hence, as an anonymous
writer observes, the true pedestrian, after a walk of twenty miles,
comes in to breakfast with freshness on his countenance, healthy blood
coursing in every vein, and vigour in every limb, while the indolent
and inactive man, having painfully crept over a mile or two, returns
to a dinner which he cannot digest. In all individuals, walking is
indispensably joined with the exercise of one or more of the external
senses. It receives from the cerebral faculties a powerful influence,
by which it is either accelerated or prolonged. Walking upon soft even
ground, at a moderate pace, is an exercise that may be taken without
inconvenience, and even with advantage, after a meal. It is adapted
for convalescents, who are not yet allowed to take stronger exercise.
A firm, yet easy and graceful walk, is by no means common. There are
few men who walk well if they have not learnt to regulate their
motions by the lessons of a master, and this instruction is still more
necessary for ladies. Having, now, therefore, taken a general view of
the character and utility of walking, I subjoin some more particular
remarks on the