Author: admin

Categories
Weight Loss Exercise

Power walking is Healthy Exercise





Ever since I took a power walking class in college, I have been hooked. If you are thinking about learning how to power walk, I strongly urge you to do so. It is fun and a great way to get in shape and stay healthy. Friends and family members can join in, and it ends up being a great way to bond as well. So, spend a little bit of time learning about power walking. You may find that it is just what you are looking for. We will discuss the fundamentals of power walking, as well as go over a list of the equipment that you need to get started.

What is Power Walking?

Power walking is Healthy Exercise

Power walking is Healthy Exercise

Many people may ask what exactly is power walking? You have been walking for years, but chances are, you haven’t been utilizing all of your muscles. Power walking is achieved by walking at a brisk pace, while tightening up all of your muscles. You should feel your abs and butt tighten as you walk. You can pump your arms for added resistance as well. When done correctly power walking can give you the benefits of cardio and strength training at the same time. When you first begin power walking, you will notice the difference right away. Your entire body may be sore after your first workout. This is completely normal and means that it is working!

Before you head out, you will need to get a few supplies. Most of them you probably already have, so it won’t take much to get you started. The most important piece of equipment is a good pair of shoes. Power walking takes a toll on your feet, so it is important to have good arch support. You can probably use a pair of shoes that you already have, but I would invest in a good arch support insert to breathe new life into your shoes. You will also want to invest in some good workout clothes. Choose fabrics that are breathable, and reflective if you plan on power walking outdoors.

Dealing with Weather for Power Walking

Choosing where to walk is also important. If weather permits, you can always head outdoors to do your walking. Look for a local track or park that offers no traffic or distractions. Treadmills offer a great alternative for those that like to power walk at odd hours or in the privacy of your own home. Look for one with a long deck so that you can stretch out your legs between strides.

Last but not least, make your walk fun. Bring along a cd player or Mp3 player to keep yourself entertained. Bringing along a friend is also a great way to keep entertained, and catch up on the latest gossip. Of course, you can also take your power walking time to reflect on yourself. Think about the upcoming week and center yourself. If you are using a treadmill, try to put up pictures of an exotic local, so that you can pretend that you are walking on the beach, etc. Or you can always catch up on your TV watching. Whatever you decide, make it fun. You are more likely to walk longer and get a better workout if you are enjoying yourself.

Marcy Jenkins is a personal trainer and freelance author. She is a contributing writer to http://www.treadmills-resource.com a site providing free treadmill tips and consumer information. Marcy wrote this article on Power walking.


Related Blogs

  • Related Blogs on Added Resistance
  • Related Blogs on Arch Support
Categories
Weight Loss Exercise

What to look for in a trainer

From the LA Daily News. I jumped up when I saw this article as it hits all the important points to look for in a personal trainer:

Working with a personal trainer can help you reach your fitness goals safely and effectively. Before you hire one, keep the following tips in mind:

Looking for a trainer? Ask around. “We’re the ones in the gym all the time,’ says fitness trainer Jeanette Jenkins, who keeps a personal database of local trainers. “Trainers are going to know who is good because we’re all colleagues.’

Consider hiring a fitness trainer at your gym. They will be familiar with your facility, and you can always seek redress from management should a problem arise. “There’s absolutely a bonus to hiring someone at your facility,’ says personal trainer Kathy Kaehler. “It helps you move along and helps you change your workout.’

Ask for a free or low-cost introductory session. “Spend time with the trainer before you put up money,’ says Allen Saltzman, co-owner of Topanga Training and Fitness in Woodland Hills. “Have a meeting with him or her or ask for a 30-minute session for free. The best idea is to talk to a trainer and ask the trainer some questions. After three sessions with a trainer you should have a really good idea if you like and respect the trainer and whether he or she will take you where you want to go.’

Ask your trainer about his/her fitness certification. Most commercial gyms require their trainers to be certified by a reputable agency such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine. “I like it when someone asks me about my certification because it means they’re serious,’ says Kaehler, who holds a bachelor of science degree in physical education from Hope College in Michigan and is certified through the American Council of Exercise.

Expect professional respect and courtesy. “Watch how they deal with their clients; the language they use,’ advises Jenkins. “They shouldn’t speak over their clients or speak down to them.’

Workouts should be enjoyable and challenging. “There should be a fun factor,’ Jenkins says. “If you’re not having fun, eventually you’re going to stop seeing that trainer.’

Health and Wellness

Related Blogs

  • Related Blogs on American Council Of Exercise
  • Related Blogs on Bachelor Of Science
Categories
Weight Loss Exercise

Breathing exercises

Breathing is as you already know a very important action. All of us tend to breath very shallow and during any kind of exertion we will find that our chest gets sore because of a lack of stretching of our chest breathing deeply.

There are many benefits to proper breathing experts say it reduces the effects of stress, a leading cause of physical woes. Slow, deep breathing can lower blood pressure, end heart irregularities, improve poor digestion and decrease anxiety.

  1. Lie down or sit in a comfortable chair, maintaining good posture. Your body should be as relaxed as possible. Close your eyes. Scan your body for tension.

  2. Pay attention to your breathing. Place one hand on the part of your chest or abdomen that seems to rise and fall the most with each breath. If this spot is in your chest you are not utilizing the lower part of your lungs.

  3. Breathe in through your nose.

  4. Notice if your chest is moving in harmony with your abdomen.

  5. Now place one hand on your abdomen and one on your chest.

  6. Inhale deeply and slowly through your nose into your abdomen. You should feel your abdomen rise with this inhalation and your chest should move only a little. Do this inhaling for a count of 2

  7. Hold your breath and hold it for a count of 8

  8. Exhale through your mouth, keeping your mouth, tongue, and jaw relaxed. Let the exhale last for a count of 4.

  9. Of course these breath numbers are based on taking a comfortable deep breath. The ratio of 1:4:2 is

the number of breaths that you are looking for and you should try to do this breathing method for 10 cycles 3 times per day. If this is not convenient you can also do breathing while commuting, watching TV or even in a meeting as long as your breathing is not distracting to others

This may seem a lot like the breathing that we do for meditation and it is somewhat related. The one thing that is different is that this should be a way of retraining ourselves to breathe better all of the time.