Walking has become less of a pastime the past few months and more of a passion. Taking a walk has become a daily activity for many and a way to take a break from all the chaos in the world. And although walking seems easy, it’s actually a great workout. Not only can you walk basically anywhere, anytime, but it’s also great for your mental and physical health. It doesn’t seem like we’re going to stop going on walks anytime soon, so if you want to turn your walk into a workout, here’s how:
Go on hills
I know hills are the worst, but they’re essential to getting more out of your walk. Don’t avoid the slopes on your daily walk route, tackle them instead. Walking uphill exerts more energy than staying on flat ground and helps you get a better workout.
Switch up the terrain
If you’re used to always walking on the sidewalk, try walking on a beach. Switching your terrain is a great way to change things up, but it also helps you burn more calories. If you walk on sand or dirt, you can burn up to 30% more calories.
Add intervals
To really get the most out of your walk, you want to add intervals into the workout. That means warming up, regular walking, speed walking, and a cool down. This will make your walk more exciting, but it will also help you burn more calories in a shorter amount of time.
Incorporate bodyweight exercises into your walk
It might seem weird to stop in the middle of your walk and do a push-up, but it’s a great way to elevate your walk. Push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks, and high knees are just a few examples of easy bodyweight exercises you can incorporate into your walk.
Jog for a little
I know- it’s a walk, not a run, but jogging for a little bit won’t hurt anyone! This is especially good if you want to start running but don’t think you can handle a full-on run. Start incorporating a jog into your walk, and you’ll eventually be able to run without walking.
