Have you ever heard of power walking?
For those who do not enjoy running, there is a viable and equally healthy alternative. Learn about the benefits of power walking.
If running does not convince you or if it is no longer your favorite exercise, then we have good news: there is a new sports trend that may fulfill your desires. It’s called power walking and it’s not easier than running, although it has even more positive outcomes on health.
Power walking is characterized by performing fast paced walks, between seven and nine kilometers per hour, and unlike jogging and running, here it is essential that one foot is always in contact with the floor. Before starting to practice, however, it takes some special care. First, you should warm up: rope jumping or exercise with your legs can help. Besides, walk slowly in the first five minutes so that the new activity won’t be too violent for your legs. On the other hand, stretches should be performed to warm up and avoid muscular injuries, either in legs, hips or even shoulders. The moment you start walking faster, don’t forget that the arms must always form a ninety-degree angle and move in reverse rhythm of the step. The back should be as straight as possible, against the natural tendency to lean forward.
With this new practice, health will be grateful. Not only because your spine and your knees suffer a lower impact than when practicing running, but also because it keeps the same benefits of this modality. Power walking burns about 500 calories per hour, while it strengthens many of the muscles of the body and promotes cardiac health. In addition, each hour walked can increase your life in another two hours – it is a deal that will probably pay off!
To start practicing this exercise, experts suggest that you should do between four and six walks per week, 20-30 minutes each. Then each week, try to add 10 or 12 minutes to every power walk until you reach sessions lasting about an hour. Maintaining this pace will be ideal so that this exercise becomes really effective.
