Many doctors and fitness experts consider power walking the perfect way to stay fit. They think it’s the perfect exercise because anyone can do it, it doesn’t cause trauma to your joints like running does, and injuries from doing it are extremely rare. They also point out that the human body was designed more for walking than running or jogging.
There are other benefits too. Walking exercise doesn’t require special equipment; it can be done almost anywhere, the outdoors can be invigorating, and it can be done throughout your life.
I power walk for several miles 6-7 days a week. Sometimes twice a day if I want to think, get a lift, or lose a few extra pounds. Power walking is just a more aggressive and intense walking exercise style, as I see it. I chose it so that I get the full aerobic benefits. I power walk quickly with an erect posture and a firm muscle-activating stride. I also try to pick routes that have gradual inclines or hills. This enhances the aerobic benefits and strengthens a broader range of muscles.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your power walking.
- Select a route that takes you through a scenic area and/or attractive neighborhood(s).
- Pick a route with gradual inclines or hills for maximum aerobic and muscle conditioning.
- Listen to your favorite music on your smartphone or MP3 player. I use music to enhance my walking pace and rhythm.
- Listen to personal development audiobooks on your smartphone or MP3 player. I’ve been amazed at how many books I’ve completed and how much I’ve learned.
- Carry some filtered water to keep yourself hydrated, especially during hot weather.
- Select a route with the least vehicle traffic. Exhaust fumes are harmful to your health, and the noise detracts from the pleasures of walking.
- Avoid routes that cross high-traffic streets. Drivers have difficulty seeing people on foot at sunset, after dark, and at sunrise. Take this seriously. I’ve been nearly hit many times.
- Avoid neglected or unattractive neighborhoods. They can lower your spirits.
- Avoid neighborhoods with criminal activities, loose dogs, or unwelcoming residents.
- Carry a cell phone and/or pepper spray the first few times you walk through an unfamiliar area.
What clothes should you wear?
During warm weather months, it’s best to wear walking or athletic shorts, a T-shirt or tank top, 100% cotton socks, and comfortable walking shoes.
During cold weather months, it’s best to wear sweatpants and long underwear, a sweatshirt and jacket, a knit hat/cap, gloves, 100% cotton socks, and comfortable walking shoes.
I started power walking around the time that I built my home gym. Since I wasn’t going to a health club anymore, I needed to find a replacement for the aerobic exercise that I had gotten on the treadmill and elliptical machines. Power walking satisfied my requirements, and I found that I enjoyed it a lot more. This was particularly true for me since a maintenance person was often vacuuming around the machines. This was one of those old upright vacuums without any HEPA filters. A vacuum like this pumps a hideous mixture of toxic particles and dust into the air. When you’re breathing hard, like you would on the machines, all those poisons are drawn deep into your lungs at a very high rate. I pointed these things out to the management, but nothing ever changed. As you can imagine, I really appreciated the fresh air once I switched to power walking.
If you’re interested in more information about my home gym, read this article entitled “How to Build a Simple & Inexpensive Home Gym.”
If you want to learn more, there are several good books on walking. A book by walking expert Mark Fenton got me interested in walking exercise.
Power walking is an excellent choice if you’re new to exercise, just returning, or looking to add a new aerobic component to your program. Give it a try!
To your health and fitness.