Change Up Your Walk Routine

Maybe you walk regularly for exercise. Perhaps you just had a baby, like I did...or maybe you are recovering from a surgery. I'm 6 weeks post partum and haven't been cleared to work out yet. I'm big into CrossFit, but right now all I can do is walk. 

Whatever the case may be, walking is good exercise.  It can boost your mood and energy levels in just 5 minutes! It can get also becoming boring and redundant quickly though. Here are some ways to really spice up your walk workouts!

Walk an incline:

If you're waking on a piece of stationary equipment at a gym, then set it on an incline and work that booty!

If you're walking outside, try hills or stairs. Shoot for 25 minutes! 

Brisk walk:

Instead of going for a leisurely stroll, really get some speed going, and walk as fast as you can! Make sure those arms are swinging and take long strides. Speed and movement intensifies your workout and will burn more calories. Give 40 minutes a try. 

Intervals: 

Change it up by trying to walk fast for one minute, then slow it down for a minute. Keep watching the clock or stopwatch, and continue this alternating pattern of fast then slow for your entire walk. Try 30 minutes...

Ab workout:

You can walk with your abs engaged. This is tough to maintain, but it's a good technique that will create some moderate soreness you can be proud of. Draw in or engage your abs until you feel them contract. Make sure you're not holding you're breath though...Keep workin' those abs for a good 20 minute walk. 

Serenity walk: 

Don't time this walk, or listen to music, or even look at your phone. Just enjoy nature, take in the smells, sounds and sights. Focus on your breathing. Take long, filling, cleansing deep breaths...in through the nose and then blow them out, (nose or mouth.) This will calm your anxieties and worries and can help you feel more clear headed.  

Written by: Kelly Gerszewski, #fitThriftymom