5 Ways to Get The Most Out Of Your Walking Workout

Walking is a simple way to ease into fitness. It's easy on the joints, requires no special skills or equipment and can be done anywhere at any time. Experts recommend incorporating a 30-minute brisk walk into your daily routine. Going on regular walks can help you maintain a healthy weight, prevent certain health conditions, boost your mood and strengthen muscles.
Looking for ways to make the most out of your walking workout? Here are five ways to step up your walking:
- Change up your walking routine
When it comes to fitness, variety is key. Doing the same workout every day can lead to boredom and a weight loss plateau. Stay motivated and keep burning calories by mixing up your walking routine. This can be as simple as trying a new path or walking at a faster pace. Are you looking for ways to work out more muscles? Try finding a path that has a steeper incline than your average walk. Walking uphill is a great way to strengthen your hamstrings, glutes, calves and quadriceps.
- Put on some up-beat tunes
Music is an easy way to get your body moving and stay moving. Listening to an up-beat playlist can help you pace yourself, increase endurance and provide a helpful distraction. Are you having a hard time creating the perfect playlist? Check out the BowFlex Spotify channel for playlists that will help you get your sweat on.
- Get outside
Next time you go for a walk, ditch the treadmill and take your workout outdoors. Studies have found that exercising outside can lead to an improved mood, increased self-confidence and it also allows you soak up the vitamin D your body needs. Researchers have found that it can also help you stay motivated to stick to your workout routine.
- Grab some walking sticks
Within the past few years, walking sticks have grown in popularity. They are a common tool for walkers and hikers to take with them on their trek. But are they worth the hype? Walking poles have been proven to build balance, strengthen your core and turn walking into a total body workout. If you're looking for ways to save money, make your own walking poles out of tree branches.
- Try the 30 Days of Walking Workout Challenge
This workout challenge was designed to get you moving no matter where you are. To participate, complete "Day 1" of the challenge and keep moving through the days until you have completed all 30 workouts. Want to make the challenge more fun? Have a friend join you every step of the way.