πŸšΆπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ Benefits of Power Walking πŸšΆπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ

πŸšΆπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ Benefits of Power Walking πŸšΆπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ

Walking is so simple that we can easily forget just how beneficial it is! Walking may sometimes be dismissed as "not a real workout" as people focus on higher heart rate activities like running and functional fitness, but walking has so many physical + emotional benefits - especially POWER WALKING!

Power walking is a style of walking done at an energetic pac with wide footsteps and pronounced arm movements. The best part is all you need is comfortable clothes and shoes! Walking can not only be an effective form of physical exercise but it can also:

  • reduce stress

  • improve mood and raise self-esteem

  • reduce health risks - studies have shown that regular walking extends life span

  • boost memory + productivity

  • strengthen immune functions

With our busy lives, it may seem that we simply don’t have the time to walk, but it doesn’t take long. Also, the benefits of walking include being more productive, so you may actually end up with more time because you set aside 30 minutes to walk!

Here are some tangible steps you can take to build a power walking practice and set yourself up for success:

  • Get fitted: Invest in a pair of comfy shoes that will get you excited to get outside and start walking

  • Set realistic goals: Maybe start with a goal of three 30-minute power walks per week & work your way up to four 45-minute power walks weekly

  • Start slow: Spend the first five minutes at a comfortable pace that allows the body to warm up and get in the flow

  • Relax: Just like yoga - move the shoulders away from the ears, lengthen the spine and neck to stand tall, and let the arms move freely and naturally.

  • Make sure to cool down! Spend the last 5-10 minutes at a comfortable pace, and then stretch your legs, shoulders and back. A few Sun Salutations wouldn't hurt!

If you haven't already listened to it, at 

LIFE ON EARTH PODCAST

 we have an episode with Avery Werther all about power walking: what it is,, how to do it, how fast you should power walk, the calories you burn power walking, and more. Podcasts make great company for walking so feel free to 

download this episode

, get outdoors, and get walking with us!