Walking Workout Tips for Beginners
By Sara Butler
Walking is one of the best low-impact exercises you can do for fitness. It doesn’t cost a lot and can be done by just about anywhere by practically everyone. But many people are unsure where and how to start their walking program. Here are a few tips to help!
Speed or Distance?
The first thing to know about walking for fitness is that you shouldn’t get too caught up in how fast or how far you go. Instead, you should focus on building up how long you can walk over time, starting with as little as five minutes if you’re out of shape. Walk at a comfortable pace and then increase the distance and speed as you get fitter.
It’s important to remember to ease into it. If it’s been a while since you’ve exercised, then you should go easy on yourself. Warm up at a slow pace and gradually work your way into longer and more intense workouts.
Get the Right Equipment
Walking doesn’t require a lot of stuff, but it does require good shoes! You should have shoes that fit your feet well and are supportive, absorbing shock in order to keep your joints protected and healthy. A good workout outfit won’t hurt either since they can help to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
How Many Days Per Week?
Your goal should be to walk three days per week, gradually working up to five days or even six as you get fitter. For many people, walking can be done anytime. It’s not as intense as some other forms of exercise and is low-impact. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to rest between workouts and give yourself one to two days off per week for important recovery time.
How Fast?
Even a leisurely stroll has benefits to your health. You should aim to get your heart rate into the aerobic range to strengthen it and get even more health benefits, but the actual speed you walk really doesn’t matter as much as the intensity. You should feel as if you’re pushing yourself, breathing a little heavier. Go at an intensity that’s comfortable for you, but don’t think you have to feel like you want to die to get the benefits!
Walking is a great workout, so add it to your list of things you can do to stay healthy and fit!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Worth, Tex.