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Walking is definitely the easiest and
most inexpensive way to remain healthy
and burn off extra calories. But before
starting fitness walking, it is
important to know the proper walking
style. Like every other exercise, there
is a right walking technique; following
which you'll not fall prey to chronic
body pains and other health disorders.
Walking not only keeps you active and
full of vigor, but also tones and shapes
your body in the right manner. Read
further to get some fitness walking tips
and information on right walking
technique. |
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1. First of all, consult a doctor
and get yourself checked whether your overall health
allows you for fitness walking. People having joint
pains usually can't walk for long distances. After a
thorough check-up, get geared up for the walk.
2. Second most important thing is
clothing. Clothing for walking exercise should be
comfortable; check out for the fabric which is
breathable and sweat-absorbent.
3. Right walking shoes is the
other requirement for fitness walking. As wrong
shoes may cause damage to your feet, knees, hips,
joints and back. Invest in good shoes so that you
enjoy walking without complaining any sort of pain
in your feet or legs.
4. Warm-up is very
important before starting walking. Perform stretches
and do light body movements as they will warm-up the
muscles and reduce the possibility of getting
sprains or injuries. It will make you ready for a
cheerful walking session.
5. Walk slowly for
initial 2-3 minutes and then increase your pace for 2 minutes. Again
slow down the speed for 2 minutes and further speed-up. This way, you
will not get tired soon.
6.
One common mistake that beginners do while trying to walk fast is
lengthening the stride (over striding). Over striding actually
decelerates the walking pace. Though it will burn more calories, you
will get tired very soon.
7. Rather than over striding to walk faster, focus on a powerful push
off while the front foot lands closer to the body.
8. Ensure while walking that you walk heel to toe and not
flatfooted to increase the speed. Touch the ground with your heel and
roll the foot forward over the center of your foot; push off with your
toes.
9. While walking, rotate your hips forward and backward. Your
waist should twist as you walk.
10. Make sure to keep your torso upright. Leaning forward or back
will slow down your speed.
11. Keep your hands relaxed and elbows at an angle of 90 degrees.
Keep you arms close to your body and swing them forward and back.
Speeding up your arm swing will automatically increase your walking
speed.
12. Keep your shoulders and neck relaxed as you walk. Your head
should be upright, while eyes looking forward.
13. You can bring your upper body into your workout by simply
pumping your arms. It is an easy way to burn more calories while
walking. If you want to tone up, use arm muscles during your workout.
14. Walking on an incline is one of the fastest ways to burn more
calories. Say, walking on an inclined treadmill will burn more of your
calories than walking on a flat surface.
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