Walking sounds like a simple exercise and it is. But that does not mean that you cannot make it challenging. Even for those who are expert walkers or those who are in exceptionally good shape, there are several methods you can make walking more challenging to suit your fitness level and needs.
Method #1: You can walk on an incline as opposed to a straight path
Walking may not seem like a challenge for one for who is in exceptional shape, but hills and inclines can prove to be very challenging. Walking up a hill or high incline for an extended period of time can exhaust even the most fit people. But not all inclines are outdoors or on natural terrain. A good example of an indoor incline that people use every day is stairs in a building. Walking up flights of stairs for an extended period of time proves to be exhausting to many people. Nonetheless, hill and incline walking proves to be a challenge that even very fit people can undertake and add to their daily routine.
Method #2: You can choose to use resistance when walking
Even the expert walker will struggle when they add weights to their body such as a weight vest or heavy backpack and try to walk with it. You can even use heavier clothing such as thick sweatpants, thick sweaters, and coats if the weather allows for it. When one adds extra weight and tries to walk with it, the body and walking motion are forced to adjust to the extra weight requiring the person to exert more energy just to walk one step.
This is a great way to burn extra calories or for someone who wants to get in better shape by improving the strength of your legs and/or upper body if you are using a backpack or weighted vest. Of course, you must be very careful to put on the weight slowly, as the body needs time to adjust, so that you do not risk significant injury. Do not start off with a lot of weight if you are doing this for the first time or if your walking motion is severely impacted by the new weight. Also, start with a shorter walking distance until your body adjusts to the new weight.
Method #3: You can walk in the elements
Walking is an exercise you can do anywhere in nearly any weather condition. You can walk when it's hot outside as long as you are adequately hydrated and bring water with you. You can walk when it is cold as long as you are dressed with enough layers. You can walk in the rain or when it is snowing as long as you are wearing the right gear for those conditions. Unless serious weather conditions are present such as an intense storm, hurricane, or earthquake, you can always take a nice walk.
Walking in cold weather, hot weather, the rain, or snow will present significant challenges to those who are used to walking under normal conditions as your body and walking motion will have to adjust to the conditions. It is a great idea for those who want a challenge or want to add a new element to their walking routine. The most important rule here is to be safe and be prepared in whatever weather condition you may be facing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sohaib_Azam/2182390
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