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PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of 12-weeks of a supervised walking program for previously inactive older adults on fitness, gait parameters, anthropometrics, and participation in physical activity. This project was part of the larger parent study associated with physical activity and health of older adults and was conducted with appropriate institutional ethics approval.

METHODS: Fifty-four sedentary adults (age= 71.6 yr; SD= 4.95; 74% women) from the Greater Victoria area volunteered and completed 12-weeks of supervised walks, three times a week. Intensity of walks increased from 15 minutes at an intensity approximating 40-50% heart rate reserve (HHR) per session to 45-60 minutes of moderate intensity (60-70% HHR). Participants were assessed at four points: baseline and every 3 weeks of the walking program at which time a six-minute walk test distance, predicted relative VO 2 max, height, weight, body …