Despite its simplicity, walking can be a great workout for you. The benefits of walking run through the body from head to toe, leaving more toned legs and a more balanced mind.
Discover all the benefits of walking, as well as the correct way to practice this exercise to get more out of your walks.
Advantages of walking
To start, the main advantage of walking is that it is a very easy type of exercise. You only need to put one foot in front of the other. Complicated workouts are fine, but sometimes you feel like getting in shape through something simpler.
Unlike other exercises, you can walk anywhere (or almost) . Consequently, you can practice it both in the city and in the country and at no cost.
Walking in flat areas has a low impact on the joints. Because of this, it is a good option for beginners or people who are in the rehabilitation phase, for example after an injury.
Lastly, no need for any special equipment. However, it is advisable to use sunscreen and comfortable and resistant footwear. It is also essential to carry a bottle of water to stay well hydrated during the walk.
Why is walking good?
Walking is an aerobic exercise, therefore it will help you to be more fit. Since it helps you spend more time outdoors, walking is also great for your mind. Let's see the benefits of walking:
Going for a regular walk strengthens your heart and bones. It also reduces the risk of developing a number of diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.
The body is strengthened by walking. You will notice an increase in endurance, strength and flexibility. If you need to lose weight, practicing this exercise is also a smart strategy. And, like everything that involves getting moving, it will help you burn fat.
If you feel very stressed or have trouble falling asleep at night, walking can help. The reason is that a better mood and a more balanced mind are included among the effects that this exercise has on the body.
The benefits of walking are very interesting, so, at the very least, it's worth considering walking more often. Remember everything you are missing the next time you go to the garage to get your car, and it might change your mind.
What parts of the body are worked?
The results of walking are especially noticeable in the lower extremities. Walking is an excellent exercise to work your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves.
In consecuense, practicing this exercise regularly will allow you to get more toned and stronger legs.
Climbing stairs, another great exercise for your legs
Take a look at the article: Advantages of training by climbing stairs. Climbing stairs is another excellent exercise to look more attractive in shorts.
How to train by walking
If you want to walk as part of your training, it is essential that you be consistent. The ideal is to walk every day of the week, or at least most of them, for 30 minutes or more. Graduate the duration and intensity based on your fitness level.
When it comes to pace, for walking to be considered cardiovascular exercise, a simple walk is not enough. You must increase your heart rate to burn calories and enjoy their benefits. That means it is necessary to walk briskly and at a brisk pace.
In consecuense, at the conclusion of the training you should find yourself practically as exhausted and soaked as with other exercises. Remember to start by walking slowly until your muscles warm up and stretch a little at the end of your workout.
Is walking too easy, even at a brisk pace? Then, the time has come to increase the difficulty, duration and intensity of your walks. To do this, you can implement different strategies, from walking faster to walking uphill, through the old trick of lengthening the duration of the training. Or all of the above at once, whatever it takes to give your body the opportunity to grow and progress.
Increase your stamina
Take a look at the article: Resistance exercises. There you will find how to increase your resistance by walking and with other exercises, both cardiovascular and strength.
Listening to music, walking with other people, and alternating walks with other cardiovascular exercises, such as running or cycling, will prevent you from getting bored. Track your progress (consider investing in a No products found.) is another of the tricks that often fail to increase motivation.
Walking is an excellent exercise, but if you want to develop your full physical potential, your training must combine cardio with strength training. So walk but do not forget to also go to the gym to lift weights.