How to make Walking Workouts more Effective

If you’re ready to level-up your walking and add some extra oomph to each step, Bradee Felton, CPT, a certified personal trainer and holistic health coach recommends the following tips. Each one helps up the ante without pushing the pace to a run.

1. Add incline. Whether it’s outside or on a treadmill, incline walking is one of the best ways to increase intensity without higher impact, says Felton. For example, the viral 12-3-30 treadmill workout is a great way to engage your posterior muscles and build strength in your glutes, hamstrings, back, and core.
2. Incorporate intervals. Intervals are awesome for boosting your heart rate and building endurance, according to the National Strength and Conditioning Association. To cash in on the benefits, Felton suggests one minute of walking at your fastest pace (without turning it into a jog), followed by one minute at a moderate pace, and one minute at an easy pace. Then, repeat this cadence 10 times for a total of 30 minutes.
3. Add resistance. If you’re looking to increase your heart rate and burn extra calories, Felton recommends adding ankle or hand weights to increase resistance. Even if you keep a steady pace, the added weight will further engage your muscles and add a layer of difficulty while remaining low impact.

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Read the full Women’s Health article ‘Trainers Say To Do These 3 Things To Level Up Your Walking Workout‘

Featured photo by Tamar Willoughby