7 Ways to Elevate Your Walks

       Hi everyone! I'm so excited to be posting this!! So its summer and I've had a lot of down time. I really wanted to start posting on my blog s'more. So here it is: 7 Ways to Elevate Your Walks:

       So I was walking the other day with my family, and I was thinking of ways to make this simple exercise more challenging:

1.) Bring the Weights!

       When my mom walks she usually brings weights, so I tried it out, and man! It is a really great way to tone those arms! I recommend starting with 1 or 2 lbs, (for beginners) and then working your way up. If you don't own any dumbbells, I suggest investing in some. But don't just hold the weights, move 'em! I recommend overhead presses, 90 degree arm raises, bicep curls, etc. You can even make up some moves of your own!

2.) Walk Faster!

       One way to elevate your walks is simple: just walk faster! Otherwise known as "power walking", increasing your speed is a great way to get your heart pumping! It burns more calories, and if you swing your arms, it burns even more calories! Yaysies!

3.) Pick your feet up!

       On way I found to elevate your walking is to pick your feet up. Basically, all you do, is bring your knees higher up than you usually do! Simple. Subtle(sometimes). Why not? It will also give you a nice stretch in your legs!

4.) Take Longer Strides!

       This will get you more places faster, also it is a good thigh workout. I mean, you can really feel it!

5.) Throw in some running

       I know, I know, running can be hard, exhausting, even miserable to some people, but it is one of the top calorie-burning exercise! Just walk for a few minutes, then run for a few minutes, walk for a while, then run again. Or warm up by walking, run for 10-20 minutes, then walk the rest of the way. Be creative!

6.) Intervals

       Walk in intervals, meaning, walk at a normal pace and then walk faster, or take longer strides, or run! Basically it just adds some pizazz to your walk, but not the whole time. Here is an example pattern: walk(regular pace) for 5 minutes

             walk briskly for 10 minutes

             walk(regular pace) for 5 minutes

             run or jog for 10 minutes

             cool down for 5 minutes( walk at a regular or slower pace)

and BAM! Over 30 minutes of quality exercise!

7.) Mix it up

       Don't walk the same loop around the neighborhood all the time. Throw in some hills, go somewhere you've never been. Your body will get used to your route, meaning it won't be a challenge any more, and that means less benefits!!! 

So that concludes this post,(for now;)) and feel free to look around the rest of my blog; if you enjoyed this post, stay tuned for more!

~MissHan