Walk Harder for Better Results

By Donna Stark

When I was growing up, my parents would take a walk around the neighborhood every single night. I think it began as a way to recover from the craziness that had just occurred during dinnertime, because when you have eight children, craziness has a way of finding the center seat at every meal. But now when I look back, I think it may have been their only time to find some exercise. It was never an intense walk, or what you would call a power walk, but it was exercise nonetheless and it worked for them. What about you? Is walking your preferred form of fitness and are you happy with where you are? Because if you're not, there are plenty of ways to boost its impact and achieve the results you are looking for.

How to Boost Your Walks

Walking is definitely a perfect choice for a low-impact workout. It's a great way to lose those extra pounds, maintain a healthy weight, and improve your cardio fitness. But if you were hoping for better results and just haven't seen them yet, then you may want to consider changing your routine a little bit. Here are some suggestions on how to do so.

• Change your speed - Your body will always find a way to adapt to what it is doing and if you don't increase the intensity of your walks, they will stop being a challenge. Reach your fitness goals faster by increasing your speed a few times a week.
• Increase the distance - Increasing your distance is a great way to boost your workout on the days that you don't want to increase your speed. Try to do it at least once or twice each week. You may be surprised at how far you can go!
• Choose a new route - Add some variety to your walks by choosing a new route or terrain each week. Check out a new neighborhood, hit the trails, or wander on down to the beach! It's a perfect way to add some variety while also working out on a whole new level.
• Add more days - If you are only walking three to four days a week, and have hit that plateau, it may be time to add another day or two to the mix! Challenge yourself to add more steps in your week by scheduling these extra times to walk in your calendar.

Getting the Results You Want

I'm not quite sure what results my parents were hoping for. Whether they just wanted a moment or two of peace and quiet or were simply looking for a way to get in their 30 minutes of exercise every day, I'd like to think they succeeded. The same can be said for you too. By adding in extra components to your walk and changing the level of intensity, you will be sure to find the success you are hoping for!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Woodbury, Minn.