How to Get the Most Out of Your Walking Workouts

Walking is one of the best exercises you can do. It tones muscles all over your body and you can do it indoors or outdoors. Of course, the pace of your walk is the key. You want to walk at a pace fast enough to get your heart pumping. If you are trying to lose weight, you will want to walk at a steady pace. However, just plain walking can get boring. Here are a few things to add to your walking routine to liven it up and also help you tone a few different muscles.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience
• Endurance
• Drive to Succeed
• Have fun!

1. 
   Walking for fun

   As you continue to walk, you should increase the intensity of your walk. Make your steps quicker, longer strides and add a few minutes to your walk each day. Once you have a nice pace going, it is easy to get bored with "just walking". Now is the time to add a new move. First add in some knee lifts. You don't have to do this for your entire walk, but alternating lifts of each knee will work those stomach muscles as well as calves.

2. Alternating kicks can also be fun and rewarding. This is another addition that can be done either indoors or outdoors. Keep back straight and kick with one leg, and then the other. This will give your thigh muscles a good workout along with other muscles in your legs.

3. 
   Walking to lose weight

   Another great way to break up the normal routine of walking is to stop and do a few side steps. You can do this at any time during your walk. Just stop and take a step to your right with your right foot. Bring your left foot over to meet your right foot. Repeat with your left foot going to your left, bring right foot over to meet the left foot. Sides Steps will work your hips and thighs. Continue walking. Add Side Steps as needed.

4. 
   Walking or fitness

   I call this one Walk and Lift. As you are walking raise both arms above your head as if you are lifting weights. This gives your arms a little exercise and works off any excess fat on your arms.

5. Rainy weather? That's no excuse not to get in your daily walk! Walk or march in place and add some of your favorite moves to make it more exciting. Keeping your routine varied is a great way to stay motivated to walking and staying in shape!

Tips & Warnings

• Varying your exercise routine keeps you from getting bored. It also helps you to work muscles that otherwise would not get any exercise.
• Always stretch before starting your routine to warm your muscles up!
• Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. Remember to drink water before, during and after heavy workouts.

[Meri]

on 3/2/2009 I will have to try this just as soon as I can see grass again! I love walking my dog...

[vivasuzi]

on 1/30/2009 Great tips! I get bored doing any workout after awhile, variety is nice.

[jennen]

on 12/10/2008 Good advice...walking is something I make excuses to do... we didn't have cars when I grew up and we were to poor to afford bikes... so walking was a must do... walk to the store, walk to the bus stop, walk home... you get the idea...walk, walk, walk... 5* article

[luv2blog]

on 12/5/2008 Variety is the key! I find that changing scenery helps a lot.

[Toanjalo]

on 11/19/2008 Thanks for the tips, they're great.