Happy Monday everyone.
I found a great walking article to share with you. This was published in "Fitness" magazine, January 2010, and has some interesting variations on walking to help use more calories during your workout.
Go against the grain.
Swinging your left arm and leg in sync -- rather than left arm and right leg -- burns 26 percent more calories, according to a new study from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Translation: A 3-mph walk goes from torching 211 calories per hour to 266. Totally worth the stares!
Move it on up.
Add a 5.0 incline, and that 3-mph walk blasts 346 calories, a 64 percent boost. "Your butt and legs work harder against gravity," explains exercise physiologist Julia Valentour of the American Council on Exercise. (I did this at a 2.0 incline on the treadmill this morning - much harder!)
Trade pavement for path.
Taking your stride to an uneven trail adds a balance challenge that helps you melt 82 percent more calories (384 per hour at a 3-mph pace).
Note: this is not advised in ice and snow, but I also want to share my favorite new product I discovered called "Yaktracks". They are a coiled band that you put on the bottom of your shoes or boots that really dig in the ice and snow. I LOVE them, and they are easy and comfortable to wear. I got them at Schuller Shoes in the mall for about $19. I think Scheels has them also. I got a pair for my 86 year old mother who fell and broke a leg last year. We are being very careful this year!
Anyway, have a great week and happy walking!
Dr. Susan
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