Power Walking For Over 40’s
Power walking (also known as speed walking) is walking at a speed at the upper end of the natural range for the walking gait, typically 7 km/h to 9 km/h. It is known to be one of the best and safest forms of exercise yet it is also one of the most simple to undertake. It is safe and costs nothing. While power walking is good for health and fitness, it also has other benefits such as the social aspect when done in groups. Power walking really is the perfect exercise simply because it is a low impact exercise which does not put undue stress and strain on your joints.
The beauty of it is that it requires minimal equipment, can be done at any time of day and can be performed at your own pace. Walking is a great way to burn calories, strengthen our heart and lungs and gets us outside to increase our intake of Vitamin D from the sun. Being an aerobic exercise, it will not only increase your cardiovascular strength, but is good for the bones and improves your posture as well. Another benefit is that it will strengthen your leg and abdominal muscles.
Walking is a great form of physical activity for people who are overweight, the elderly or those who haven’t exercised in a long time. Do not spend hundreds of dollars on your walking shoes but do select a pair that have a degree of quality and feel comfortable as soon as you put them on.
Walking ranks alongside jogging for its physiological and psychological benefits. Make it your goal to walk just three hours a week or 30 minutes for 6 days. This schedule will cut the risk of heart attack and stroke in women ages 40 to 65 by 40% (Harvard Medical School). The main point to keep in mind when power walking is that it should remain fun at all times. It really is one of the easiest of fitness activities.
Nothing contained in this article is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice.