How to Make Your Daily Walk a Little More Challenging
By Genevieve Cunningham
Walking is one of the best ways to promote better health in your life. Sounds too easy, right? But it's true! Walking is good for body, mind, and soul. Of course, if you walk regularly, there really does come a time when it becomes easy. And if your goal is to better your body, it's possible that your walk really has become too easy. So what can you do? Do you have to join a gym and dread your workout session to see change? Not at all! If you're ready to improve your walking routine, take a look at these little ways to make it a little more challenging starting today.
Carry Small Weights
Weights make almost any workout a little more challenging. When you walk, you could carry some small weights in your hands, or it might be easier to wrap weights around your wrists. It doesn't take much -- a simple five pounds or less -- to really make the more difficult. Your muscles will get tired. Your lungs will have to work a little harder. Put a pair of weights in your car, and anytime you're going for a walk, use them as an extra push.
Pick Up the Pace
One of the easiest ways to make your walk harder is to just go faster. If you usually walk a mile in 18 minutes, work to walk it in 15 instead. The faster pace forces your muscles to work harder and your heart to pump faster, thus putting you into the fat burning zone. It might sound too good to be true, but it works. Go a little faster for a bigger challenge and harder routine.
Change Course
If you're like most people, you probably walk the same path every day. Maybe it's around your block or at the park. While this can certainly provide some comfort and predictability, it might be beneficial to change course. Choose a new trail with new challenges. Try a local hiking trail. Try the track at the local school. Walking a new course can totally change your workout and it also keeps the routine just a little more interesting.
If you want a soothing, gentle, and yet effective workout, you don't have to look any further than a good walk. But at times, it can be good to make your walk more challenging and strenuous. Use these tips to improve your walking workout, and you'll see new changes in your body and health before you know it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Livermore, Calif.