Walking is a great low impact exercise. Exercise gets the blood moving, can reduce stress & anxiety, can boost your immune system and help you sleep better at night. Walking might not seem like much but you can get more out of it by adding a few things to help you burn calories. Rima Elmowy, personal trainer & elite remedial sports therapist at Selph Holistic Health Studio in Sydney, gave Honey Coach tips on how to maximize your walk.
Start with the basics like practicing good posture. Drop your shoulders and engage your core. This will help prevent injuries and give your muscles a workout.
Make sure you are walking at a decent pace. You want to elevate your heartrate. You can always keep track of this via a smart watch. If you don't have one, Elmowy says when it becomes harder to speak in full sentences you hit the mark.
Make sure you switch things up. Add in some light jogging or running in intervals. This can make a very big difference. You are increasing the impact your workout has on your body.
Try adding in a circuit during your walk. You don't have to have weights or equipment with you. You can use a bench to do some squats, pushups or dips. Lunges and burpees are also great exercises that do not need equipment and can be done anywhere. Make sure you don't get stuck doing the same routine. By switching things up you won't be bored and it will keep your body on "its toes."
Rima says to choose a route that includes hills or stairs. You can increase your cardio endurance and work those leg muscles by getting in some strength training. Inclines also increase your heartrate helping you burn those calories.
As most experts say, bring a friend or even a dog with you on your adventure. Keep yourself motived with someone who is like minded so you don't slack off. By bringing a dog it will make the walk more joyful for the both of you.