Walking and Health

Getting bored with the same old walking routine? Pole walking is the latest craze from Europe that is sweeping the US.  I saw pole walkers the other day in my neighborhood.  So I did a little research.  I thought maybe they were training for the skiing season.  However, upon doing a little research I found out the real reason they are using two poles while walking. 

Using the two poles while doing normal walking increases the amount of calories burned by 46%.  With pole walking, 90% of your body muscles are being used.  Wow! Compare that to 35% for bicycling and treadmill and 65% for jogging. The more muscles used in a workout-the more calories are burned.  That’s simple, yet powerful.  Imagine that, by adding two poles to your regular workout, you get an overall complete body fitness workout and increase the amount of calories burned.  Can you say, “I can do this!”

Do you have aches and pains in your neck caused by work overload, financial woes because of the bad economy, or just too many things to do in a day?  Pole walking uses the upper body during walking and helps to strengthen and relax neck, shoulders and back muscles.  It also helps to relieve stress in general.  If you’re like most people and keep all your stress in your neck and shoulders, pole walking can help eliminate these problems.

Pole walking also helps your posture.  By keeping your body upright and in a positive, natural movement, you build up the upper body, where more than 50% of your muscles are located.  The strengthening and usage of the muscles in your upper body helps in better overall posture.

Internally, there are even more benefits to pole walking than just regular walking.  When utilizing the poles, you strengthen your heart.  Adding poles to your normal walk increases your cardiovascular workout by 20%.  This in turn helps to lower lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.  This is beneficial to those with diabetes. 

Try walking with two poles the next time you go for your morning or evening walk.  You’ll immediately feel the extra exertion by your upper body.  Relax and take it slow and soon you’ll wonder how you did without them.  Pole walking takes practice and there are several websites currently available to help with the purchase of poles and guidance in proper technique. Pole Walking Instructions Another website: Pole Walking One more: Pole Walking I’m going to look more into this and update this posting as I learn more about the fitness fun and relaxation benefits to pole walking.

Interested in purchasing your own poles. KEYTZ Nordic Walking Fitness Poles - Lightweight Carbon/Aluminum Shafts (Black, White, or Pink) - Pair

 Read more about Pole Walking: The Ultimate Nordic Pole Walking Book

Walking is beneficial to anybody trying to stay in shape. Even if you have different medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, a back injury that flares up every now and then and knee or ankle injuries from the past that act up especially in cold weather. Always consult your doctor first, but most doctors will recommend some type of exercise program that includes walking. Walking is one of the least evasive forms of exercise. Your joints are not likely to get jolted like they are in running and jogging and the stress impact to your knees, ankles, and other joints are minimal so most people are not prone to injury with walking.

I found a great article that I would like to share with you that is found on Arthritis.org. Click here to read the article on Five Strategies for Walking Success. Enjoy the article it applies to all walkers whether you have arthritis or not. It’s main focus is on how to develop a routine and to keep walking day in and day out without losing focus and still stay motivated.

http://www.arthritis.org/five-strategies-for-walking-success.php

Click below to go to Home page to Walking and Health:

http://walkingandhealth.com/

I am training to walk in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer coming up in Long Beach, CA in a few months. I walk throughout my neighborhood and at the local parks, but every now and then I want to try something different and new. I found a website that I would like to share with you. It is called USA Track and Field and you can check it out at http://www.usatf.org/routes/map/. This site allows you to plan out your own walking route and get exact distance totals anywhere in the US. You can use this tool if you are local and at home or take it with you if you are planning a vacation and want to continue your daily walking routine. You can basically stay in shape wherever you go.

I started at a point in my neighborhood where I knew I could park and go from there. I wanted to do a six mile walk. I located my state, my city, and the cross street by drilling down on the map of the United States. At the street level, I clicked section by section through the area until it added up to six miles. It even allows you to save the route. You can also choose another route in the area that someone else has already planned out.

I think this is a great tool for walkers and runners alike. The site even calculates the amount of water you will need on your walk or run. Like I’ve said before, you don’t have to be a marathon runner to get out there and do some great walking. The health benefits are wonderful and soon you’ll have more endurance, your clothes will feel better on you, and you’ll have a better outlook on life as you begin to get into shape-all just by walking.

Click below to go to Home page to Walking and Health:

http://walkingandhealth.com/

It’s so important to have the right gear when training and participating in a walk. Tops and bottoms that breathe and allow perspiration to pull away from your body are the best types. Also, clothes made from absorbant and non-bacterial material is best. Proper fitting is also important to prevent chaffing and rubbing in friction areas.