What is Power Walking?
Power walking is a form of exercise that involves walking at a brisk pace, typically at a speed of 4 to 5 miles per hour or faster. It is a low-impact exercise that can be done almost anywhere, and it can provide a number of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, increased calorie burning, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Power walking typically involves using your arms and legs in a coordinated manner, with a focus on maintaining good posture and a brisk, steady pace. It can be done alone or in a group, and can be a great way to get in shape and stay healthy.
How does power walking work?
Power walking works by engaging your major muscle groups, such as your legs, glutes, and core, to increase your heart rate and breathing rate. When you walk at a brisk pace, you increase the demand for oxygen and nutrients in your muscles, which in turn increases your heart rate and improves your cardiovascular fitness.
Power walking also helps to burn calories and reduce body fat. Walking at a brisk pace can help you burn more calories than walking at a slower pace, which can help you lose weight and improve your body composition. Additionally, power walking can help to strengthen your muscles and bones, which can help to reduce your risk of injury and improve your overall physical function.
To perform power walking, you should aim to walk at a pace that is faster than your normal walking pace, while maintaining good posture and engaging your core and glutes. You should also swing your arms naturally and take long strides to increase the intensity of the exercise. It is important to wear comfortable, supportive shoes and to gradually increase the intensity and duration of your power walking sessions over time.
When should we be power walking?
Power walking can be done at any time of the day, depending on your schedule and personal preference. Here are a few examples of when you might choose to power walk:
Before work or in the morning
Power walking in the morning can help you start your day with a burst of energy and a positive mindset.
During your lunch break
If you have a busy workday, taking a power walk during your lunch break can be a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, which can help to improve your focus and productivity in the afternoon.
After work or in the evening
Power walking after work can be a great way to unwind and de-stress after a long day. Walking in the evening can also help you get some fresh air and natural light, which can help to regulate your circadian rhythm and improve your sleep quality.
Whenever you have time
The great thing about power walking is that it can be done almost anywhere, at any time. If you have a few spare minutes during the day, you can take a quick power walk around your neighborhood or office building to get your blood flowing and clear your mind.
Why is power working better than running?
Power walking and running are both great forms of cardiovascular exercise that offer a range of health benefits. While running is a higher-impact activity that can provide a greater calorie burn, power walking has several advantages over running that may make it a better choice for some people:
Lower impact
Power walking is a lower-impact activity than running, which means that it puts less stress on your joints, muscles, and bones. This can be especially beneficial for people who are overweight, have joint pain or arthritis, or are recovering from an injury.
More accessible
Power walking can be done almost anywhere, and it doesn’t require any special equipment or training. Running, on the other hand, can be more challenging for beginners, and may require a certain level of fitness and endurance.
Lower risk of injury
Because power walking is a lower-impact activity, it may be less likely to cause injuries such as stress fractures, shin splints, or plantar fasciitis. Additionally, power walking can help to strengthen your muscles and improve your posture, which can help to reduce your risk of injury in other activities.
More sustainable
Because power walking is a lower-intensity activity, it may be easier to sustain over time than running. This can be especially important for people who are new to exercise, or who struggle with motivation or adherence to a workout routine.
While power walking may not provide the same level of intensity or calorie burn as running, it can still be an effective form of exercise that can help to improve your cardiovascular health, boost your mood, and reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Ultimately, the best form of exercise is one that you enjoy and can sustain over the long term.
