Unless there is a physical problem that prevents walking, most people and small children know how to walk. They can walk from places they want to go to places they have to go. Walking can be done to lose weight or for recreation. Knowing how to walk doesn’t mean that you have the right walking technique to burn the most calories possible or to prevent injury.
Fitness walking techniques includes the following:
• Walking stride-the walking stride should be even and consistent, the length should be comfortable but more extended than with normal everyday walking
• Walking speed-the walking speed should be faster than normal walking, power walking is at the fastest walking speed and will provide the best workout
• Posture while walking-normal daily activity may contribute to poor posture especially if you sit in front of a computer most of the day, walk with your back straight, shoulders square, and buttocks tucked in
• Surface contact-when your foot hits the ground while walking, the heal should make contact first and then the rest of the foot should gradually make contact with the step finishing with pushing off with the ball of the foot
• Position of head-your head should be horizontal with the ground, looking up or looking down or up will cause strain on the neck and back muscles, you chin should point forward
• Arm movement-allow arms to gently and naturally swing while walking. Some people choose to carry weights while walking to strengthen muscles in the arms and not just the legs while walking
One walking technique includes power walking. This type of walking is not as fast as running or jogging, but it is at a much faster pace than regular walking. It is easier on the joints than running and jogging. It will get the heart pumping faster and will work the muscles more than the normal walking pace. Often arms are swinging which will help firm up arm muscles. Some power walkers may even overtake the casual slow joggers when walking in the park or around a track.
Even when you know how to walk, using proper walking technique will allow you to maximize the results of your walks. Another way to maximize the results of your walks is to buy a fitness shoe like the Stepgym shoe.
Discussion
No comments for “Do You Know How to Walk?”