A new definition...

[Joanna]

I was walking in my neighborhood today and reflecting on whether it was a difficult workout or not (its a running conversation in my head - I've done the walk a dozen times this summer). The walk is about 2 1/2 miles and is very hilly in parts. Today I decided that it WAS a good workout and came up with a new way to assess my various activities:

MY NEW DEFINITION OF A GOOD WORKOUT -

If I sweat like a horse, breath hard and steady,and wish the workout was over at the half way point, it is surely good enough!

 

[honeybunch]

Walking can be a GREAT workout - I wish more runners would convert to walking, which is much kinder to the knees. It's all in the technique, folks.

 

[Sonnenschein]

Help me on technique here--specifically, how to work hard enough to get your heart rate up when you don't have enough hills. I've read that weighted vests would help some with this, but they are expensive, and I worry that carrying the extra weight would be more stress on these knees that I'm trying to save. Thanks! --Karen

 

[honeybunch]

http://www.racewalk.com/HowTo.asp

That's a link to racewalk.com for technique hints - the key is USE YOUR ARMS to propel yourself forward, and take small steps! Also, I very strongly encourage using music to increase your pace (makes it more fun, too). I don't use weights, but do have a Powerbelt. But even without that toy, I still always get a good workout when I walk. My usual pace is 5.5+ mph.

 

[Jenn1973]

Honeybunch...
How can you tell how fast you are going?

 

[lynn]

Does anybody know if pushing a stroller inhibits or helps increase the intensity of a power walk?

I had a baby almost a year ago and occasionally I schlep him around the neighborhood in his stroller for my cardio work that day. I figure between his weight and the strollers weight I'm pushing around 30 lbs.

Because I can't use my arms, do you think that this is impairing the technique? I do get my heart rate up, so I guess that's what matters, huh?

Lynn

 

[lynn]

Honey Bunch,, you are amazing!!

I am MOST impressed you can walk at 5.5+ mph!!!!! I can barely run that fast!! You are one fit woman!!

Lynn

 

[honeybunch]

The music is 170-180 beats per minute.

 

[honeybunch]

I know pushing a lawnmower gives you a good workout (not a self-propelled one), so it makes sense that pushing a stroller would be a good workout, right?