Power Walking or Speed WalkingYou're ready for the next challenge - power walking - are you? That's just great. First though - Congratulations! You've clearly worked hard and come a long way to be ready for this. That's quite an accomplishment. Good for you! Just before we get on with it let's just check out the usual stuff first. You've completed your own Fitness Walking 3 program and feeling good. AND by now you know you gotta check this new one out with your health professional before you zoom on out, right? Great! We knew you knew that! So What Is Power Walking (or Speed Walking) Anyway? In a nutshell it is just adding the 'power' or 'speed' to your regular walk! Hmm. Maybe you want a little bit more info? OK! You're going to speed up the rate or pace of you walk, you're going to shorten your stride a bit (easier to go faster this way) and you are going to keep your arms swinging at about a 90 degree angle. You want to aim for a top speed of roughly 8 kilometers per hour or 5 miles per hour. That's a 12 minute mile or a 7.5 minute kilometer if you like the numbers game. That's a pretty brisk 'zoom' in your step but you can do it! Pretty soon you'll be walking circles around the 'young 'uns out there (or at least feel as if you could). Here's a rather light-hearted look at .. Power Walking (or Speed Walking) ...by Zuzana of BodRock.TV
Before you get too frisky though, maybe build up to a maximum time that works for you by doing short intervals during your normal walk. Perhaps try doing five minutes at the faster pace the first day. Add a few minutes each day as you get stronger. If this tires you too much, then try the fast part every second day until you feel better. Pretty soon you'll be able to do your whole walk at the faster pace. By then you will probably see the last of any extra baggage 'in the caboose' vanish. Feels great doesn't it! You can add variety by changing your route to include hill walking and adding weights. Have a look at Fitness Walking 3 to refresh your memory on the details. Getting really good? Perhaps you might be fit enough to try a Half Marathon Walk. A number of organizations do sponsor and stage these events in different parts of North America when you're ready. Get in touch if you'd like more info for your part of the world. Better still, if you know of events taking place in your area, do let us know. We will be adding a resource page for people to check soon. Special Power Walking 'Thingies' To Watch A couple of things you need to keep in mind with this walking style. The first is to make sure you walk with your arms relaxed as you swing them. Don't tense them up. This can lead to lower back pain problems if you do! Stay loose and stay happy! Second is to make sure you have fitted your shoes properly and you have the right type of shoe. You want a shoe with good sole flex rather than one that is too stiff. The second factor to watch is to make sure you have enough room in the shoe in front of your longest toe. Usually about the thickness of your thumb is good. If your toes are starting to tingle after some walking, your shoes are too short and there are circulation problems! Fix the problem! Revisit 4 Steps To A Successful Shoe Fit if you're not sure. Enjoy Yourself! That's about it. Enjoy yourself and your power walking. Isn't it wonderful to be walking and feeling great again! Back To A Different Walking Style | Return to Home Page 
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