How to Start a Power Walking Program

You have probably heard that walking is one of the best forms of exercise for overall fitness. It’s also one of the least complicated forms of exercise. But if you want to get the most out of a walking routine, you can’t just amble along. Power walking is a particular type of walking that turns a stroll into a workout. Here are some tips on how to start a power walking program.

Decide Where You’ll Walk

You can go for a treadmill, a track, your neighborhood, or wherever you can get a good, hard stride going. You will be walking in a particular form, so if you are self-conscious about how you appear, you may prefer to walk somewhere a bit more private, such as a quiet neighborhood or a home treadmill. If you like company and appreciate a group setting, a gym treadmill or public track might be just the place.

Gear Up

For power walking, a good pair of walking shoes is essential. You may have to spend a bit, but look for shoes designed for the purpose. The support these shoes offer is important for preventing injury and cushioning your joints. Dress appropriately for the weather, and make sure your clothing allows free movement. Carry a fanny pack for keys, cell phone, and other essentials; a purse won’t do as well.

Schedule Your Walks

Making your walks a regular thing not only helps you get them done, it also improves the overall fitness benefits, sources say. Since you are just beginning, experts recommend starting slowly and working up to 20-30 minutes 5 days a week. In fact, according the fitness experts, it’s best to begin at a moderate walking pace before beginning with the power walking.

Here’s an example of a beginner’s schedule, assuming a week is 5 days of walking:

• First week: Walk for 15 minutes at a moderate pace.
• Second week: Each day, add 5 minutes so you’re walking for 20 minutes. On week 2, you can up the pace for those 5 minutes, so you’re power walking for 5 and moderately walking for 15.
• Third week: Add another 5 minutes a day so you’re walking for 25 minutes – 10 minutes of those will be power walking, 20 moderate.
• Fourth week: Add another 5 minutes. Now you’re power walking for 15 minutes, and moderately walking for 15.
• Fifth week: Begin increasing the number of power walking minutes within your 30-minute walk. Increase in 5-minute intervals as described above until you are power walking for all 30 minutes.

Power walking is a great way to boost your walking routine and reap even more fitness reward. If you want to ramp it up even further, here are some other great tips!

That’s it for now. Until next time Divas, wear your heels well and Be Blessed!

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