Ever since I took a power walking class in college, I have been hooked. If you are thinking about learning how to power walk, I strongly urge you to do so. It is fun and a great way to get in shape and stay healthy. Friends and family members can join in, and it ends up being a great way to bond as well. So, spend a little bit of time learning about power walking. You may find that it is just what you are looking for. We will discuss the fundamentals of power walking, as well as go over a list of the equipment that you need to get started.
Many people may ask what exactly is power walking? You have been walking for years, but chances are, you haven't been utilizing all of your muscles. Power walking is achieved by walking at a brisk pace, while tightening up all of your muscles. You should feel your abs and butt tighten as you walk. You can pump your arms for added resistance as well. When done correctly power walking can give you the benefits of cardio and strength training at the same time. When you first begin power walking, you will notice the difference right away. Your entire body may be sore after your first workout. This is completely normal and means that it is working!
Before you head out, you will need to get a few supplies. Most of them you probably already have, so it won't take much to get you started. The most important piece of equipment is a good pair of shoes. Power walking takes a toll on your feet, so it is important to have good arch support. You can probably use a pair of shoes that you already have, but I would invest in a good arch support insert to breathe new life into your shoes. You will also want to invest in some good workout clothes. Choose fabrics that are breathable, and reflective if you plan on power walking outdoors.
Choosing where to walk is also important. If weather permits, you can always head outdoors to do your walking. Look for a local track or park that offers no traffic or distractions. Treadmills offer a great alternative for those that like to power walk at odd hours or in the privacy of your own home. Look for one with a long deck so that you can stretch out your legs between strides.
Last but not least, make your walk fun. Bring along a cd player or Mp3 player to keep yourself entertained. Bringing along a friend is also a great way to keep entertained, and catch up on the latest gossip. Of course, you can also take your power walking time to reflect on yourself. Think about the upcoming week and center yourself. If you are using a treadmill, try to put up pictures of an exotic local, so that you can pretend that you are walking on the beach, etc. Or you can always catch up on your TV watching. Whatever you decide, make it fun. You are more likely to walk longer and get a better workout if you are enjoying yourself.
Marcy Jenkins is a personal trainer and freelance author. She is a contributing writer to http://www.treadmills-resource.com ? a site providing free treadmill tips and consumer information.
The best exercise for the stomach is probably not the... Read More
If I had to pick a single factor that I... Read More
To say that the human body is an amazing machine... Read More
Your energy levels will depend on several factors, including genetics,... Read More
Do you feel that you can barely do any activity... Read More
When we think about the life in the country, there... Read More
If you're like most people, finding time for exercise... Read More
If you have always used free weights, then switch it... Read More
It is a common misconception that aerobic exercise tones/firms muscles.... Read More
It's surprisingly common - you're exercising, everything's fine, and then... Read More
People walking regularly for exercise often walk for more than... Read More
Muscles and connective tissues shorten over time and that results... Read More
Ah, the crisp cool breeze, the invigorating feel of the... Read More
Step for step, mile for mile, walking is the best... Read More
For approximately 80-90% of people that suffer from asthma, exercise... Read More
Building those impressively sleek shoulders takes a great deal of... Read More
When we usually think of treadmills, we tend to think... Read More
So here's the situation?You have a home gym, treadmill, elliptical... Read More
So you want to lose weight? Chances are, you'll spend... Read More
Bad workouts. We have all had them at some time... Read More
The Greek physician Galen (AD 129 ? 210) is generally... Read More
Getting America's children to exercise has never been more difficult... Read More
Exercise is often regarded as a panacea for many things..."if... Read More
This is a list of ten common mistakes made during... Read More
The number one reason people say they do not exercise... Read More
In a previous article, I mentioned the weight loss mantra... Read More
My name is Greg Ryan. I am a fitness expert,... Read More
Yes, all I'm afraid this does play a part in... Read More
Diet and Exercise are the inseparable twins that are seen... Read More
You know I have always wondered how people of yesteryear,... Read More
Why would I want to write about yet another fitness... Read More
The last seven years, or so, at the Tour de... Read More
How many times has this happened to you?>> You psych... Read More
Welcome to article number 4 in our series "Bodybuilding Sins... Read More
A Japanese study found that if you exercise at night... Read More
There are three main types of exercises to include in... Read More
This short article looks at some of the tips, tricks... Read More
Recent studies have shown that exercise may acually help people... Read More
I was excited to hear the esteemed speakers at the... Read More
There are people who are fond of getting an exercise... Read More
Exercise TipsThe most effective exercise regimen includes both strength training... Read More
When I get finished teaching you this never-before-seen version of... Read More
So here's the situation?You have a home gym, treadmill, elliptical... Read More
Already dedicated exercisers make small but costly mistakes regularly in... Read More
People walking regularly for exercise often walk for more than... Read More
It is thought that moderate exercise, such as speed walking,... Read More
Using The StairsNot everybody has stairs in their home, but... Read More
Bounding can be a great addition to your high intensity... Read More
Lower back pain is an increasingly common problem in fact... Read More
For many people out there trying to become more energised... Read More
When it comes to building lower pectorals, triceps and frontal... Read More
Water and ExerciseYour body excretes water in a number of... Read More
In our 'Stretching' article series , we discussed why it's... Read More
"Physical Fitness"Some physical activities (exercise) are not intense enough to... Read More
In our modern day society we have moved away from... Read More
For most of us we live in a black and... Read More
Do you currently suffer or have you ever suffered from... Read More
My name is Greg Ryan. I am a fitness expert,... Read More
Step for step, mile for mile, walking is the best... Read More
One out of five American kids is obese and the... Read More
My name is Greg Ryan. I am a fitness expert,... Read More
Five points to consider when you want to fit fitness... Read More
One of the main benefits of Pilates is it refreshes... Read More
Different Health Problems generally do not allow us to do... Read More
When the trampoline was invented by a young boy intrigued... Read More
Do you ever wonder how to shrink the fat on... Read More
Exercise & Fitness |