Here are a couple of walking styles that will definitely help you to become fitter and lose weight. Race walking - It is actually considered as a long-distance athletic event. When race walking, one foot must appear to be in contact with the ground at all times and violation of this rule is known as 'loss of contact' and can be used as grounds for disqualification. The second rule is that the weight-bearing leg must straighten from the point of contact with the ground and remain straightened until the body passes directly over it. Race walking first became an Olympic event in 1904 as a precursor to the decathlon. Since then, it has become a stand-alone event in the Olympics with categories for both men and women. Race walking is a quite a bit more strenuous than just plain walking but it's also great way to burn calories. Race walking for an hour at 15 miles per hour will burn around three hundred and fifty to four hundred calories. Almost as much as running without the strain on your knees. Injured runners use race walking to help themselves get back into shape. Walking with weights is a good way to increase upper body strength and burn more calories at the same time. It also increases your muscle mass while helping you burn off more fat. Handheld weights are recommended but using backpack or fanny pack is good too. Don't forget to distribute the weight evenly in your backpack or fanny pack. Keep most of the weight as close to your center of gravity as possible to limit back strain. Having a backpack is also handy for carrying water, sunglasses, sunscreen, a jacket in case the weather suddenly turns cold, and other helpful items. Make sure that the weight you’re carrying isn’t too much. Recreational walking includes hiking, walking in the park, and even walking your dog. For recreational walking to be considered an exercise, you need to be walking at a pace that is fast enough to make your heart beat faster and cause you to breathe more deeply. Strolling around the park may still burn calories but it simply won't do as an exercise. Walking, as an exercise, may sometimes cause cramps and sore muscles. Indulging in pre and post exercise warm up exercises has been shown to significantly reduce strains, sprains, and muscle soreness. It also increases flexibility and muscle tone. Copyright Ryan Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the urls (links) active.
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