Essential Power Walking Tips


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.







Related News



Sober days: Exercise is good way to manage stress, anxiety - The Desert Sun

Sober days: Exercise is good way to manage stress, anxiety
The Desert Sun, CA -Jul 24, 2008
I would like to start an exercise program now. Can you tell me how to go about this the right way? Answer: Starting a regular exercise program can be one of ...

The Fat of the Land - Wall Street Journal

Wall Street Journal

The Fat of the Land
Wall Street Journal -12 hours ago
The reason for all this is sad but true -- Australians eat too much and do not do enough exercise. For a country that produces such good quality food, ...

Dataline Announces Participation in Operation Golden Phoenix - MarketWatch

Dataline Announces Participation in Operation Golden Phoenix
MarketWatch -4 hours ago
Dataline is providing a vital, ad-hoc, secure mobile communications infrastructure for medical use during the exercise. NORFOLK, Va., July 25, ...

An exercise in damage limitation - guardian.co.uk

An exercise in damage limitation
guardian.co.uk, UK -17 hours ago
Today's success by Max Mosley in his privacy action against the News of the World represents the culmination of nearly a decade of steady development of ...

Fire training exercise held in Missoula - Montana's News Station

Fire training exercise held in Missoula
Montana's News Station, MT -2 hours ago
The owner of the house offered it to Missoula City Fire Department for training purposes and firefighters say the exercise is all part of an effort to ...
Walnut Ridge FD Getting Ready For Air Force MissionsKAIT
all 3 news articles

The second X-Files movie is a strangely lifeless exercise - CBC.ca

guardian.co.uk

The second X-Files movie is a strangely lifeless exercise
CBC.ca, Canada -7 hours ago
By Jason Anderson, CBC News Fox Mulder (David Duchovny, left) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) return to the big screen to investigate paranormal ...
Video: Duchovny, Anderson Believe in New X-Files FlickAssociatedPress
all 1,373 news articles

Western Wind Energy Corp. announces filing of final short form ... - MarketWatch

Western Wind Energy Corp. announces filing of final short form ...
MarketWatch -1 hour ago
The Brokers' Warrants will be issued upon deemed exercise of special brokers' warrants (the "Special Brokers' Warrants"), which were issued as part of the ...

Exercise keeps heart young - Study - HealthJockey.com

HealthJockey.com

Exercise keeps heart young - Study
HealthJockey.com, India -Jul 24, 2008
A study conducted by the University in St. Louis revealed that endurance exercises can give one much younger hearts. “We know that the heart deteriorates as ...

ASEAN forum endorses disaster relief exercise - Radio Australia

Boston Globe

ASEAN forum endorses disaster relief exercise
Radio Australia, Australia -Jul 24, 2008
Asia's top security forum has endorsed an American proposal for a region-wide disaster relief exercise. Disaster preparedness has risen high on the regional ...
ASEAN forum endorses Asian-wide disaster exercise--statementInquirer.net
Regional exercise to prepare for disastersStraits Times
Asian Nations To Pool ResourcesWall Street Journal
International Herald Tribune - The Associated Press
all 253 news articles


McCain Campaign, a Fact Checking Exercise - BuzzFlash

McCain Campaign, a Fact Checking Exercise
BuzzFlash, IL -6 hours ago
Senator McCain seems completely unaware that dozens, perhaps hundreds, of reporters and bloggers can check the accuracy of his statements in a matter of ...