Walking The World

What is Walk 500-Take The Challenge?

The Walk 500 Challenge, in a nutshell, is this:
If you are 50 years of age, or better, Walking The World respectfully challenges you to walk 500 measured miles within the next 365 days. We have structured the Challenge as a serious, but attainable, objective--one to which we now welcome you.

Why walking, and why 500 miles?

While physical activity of any type is usually beneficial to our bodies, walking stands alone as the best. Why? For starters, it's the easiest. There is no special skill required, no special clothing, or equipment. You can do it almost anywhere and you can do it alone, or with family or friends. Of all the aerobic exercises, walking is the safest. In addition, there are numerous other benefits to be gained from walking.

Walking Contributes to Your Physical Well-Being
Walking Helps Reduce Stress in Your Daily Life
Walking is Fun. You'll Make New Friends
Walking Helps Prevent Osteoporosis
Walking Can Help You Lose Weight
Walking is a Great Way to See The World

We settled on 500 miles within a year as a serious, yet attainable, objective for many, hopefully, most, people. We recognize that being able to log an average of 1.3 miles per day suggests certain levels of time availability and physical capacity. If your own circumstances are such that you can walk less, or more, no problem. The real issue here is to challenge yourself to begin, and continue, a regular program of walking.

Currently, we have people in over 34 states who have accepted the Walk 500 Challenge. From time to time we will be posting the stories of many of these walkers so you can see how others are doing. If you decide to accept the Walk 500 Challenge, we hope you'll share your story with us as well.

If you accept this challenge, you will feel better and look better every week for the next year-and beyond, if you choose. So, lace up those shoes and step into the adventure of a lifetime!

Good Walking!

Ward Luthi
Walking The World/Walk 500-Take The Challenge

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TO START THE WALK 500 FITNESS CHALLENGE!

WALK 500 CHALLENGE STORIES

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Click here to read a Book Review on Walk 500

If you are ‘50 or better’ and don’t want to see life walking by you, pick up a copy of The Walk 500 Challenge. In this intriguing book, by master walker Ward Luthi, you will be challenged to walk your way to better health...”

— Darlene Storti
Director of Assisted Living

“I have followed Ward Luthi’s career for many years. It is unlikely that any other person has done more to encourage folks ‘50 and better’ to walk for health than Ward has. Ward’s new book, Walk 500: Take the Challenge!, is exciting and, yes, challenging. If you meet the age requirement and are willing to invest some fun time and energy in dramatically improving your health, then accept this challenge.”

— Frank Lupton, Professor Emeritus
Dept. of Recreation, Parks and Tourism,
Western Illinois University

“After reading Ward Luthi’s book, Walk 500: Take the Challenge!, my wife and I wanted to be among the first to accept the challenge. We have long known Ward’s success in bringing the benefits of distance walking to hundreds of people ‘50 and better.’ This exciting new book offers us, and you, a great opportunity to attain a maximum state of health through a gentle and thoroughly enjoyable program.”

— Bill Grahill, Retired High School Athletic Director
Nancy Grahill, Travel Agent

“Over the past nine years, Ward Luthi and I have walked the trails and byways of eight states and four foreign countries together. Walk 500: Take the Challenge! is a natural outgrowth of Ward’s dedication to bettering the health and conditioning of those of us who are ‘50 and better.’ As a 67-year-old who has walked his way to better health, I look forward to accepting the challenge and the significant benefits which I expect from it.

— Dave McGoldrick, Past President
Samsonite & Sunbeam

Walk in beautiful wilderness, live and enjoy each moment as it touches your soul and you will experience and know what life is truly about. As a fitness trainer who works with many people 50 and better, I highly recommend Walk 500: Take the Challenge! Accept the Challenge and enjoy a walk today.

— Kevin Steele, Owner
Trinity Fitness