Tips for Enhancing Your Walking Experience

Walking is one of the easiest and best form of exercise out there. It gets your heart pumping, your blood flowing and it can strengthen your muscles and give you even more energy. Walking is free, you don't need any equipment (other than a good pair of shoes) and you can do it alone or with friends. You can even take your dog with you, if you have one.

Make sure you are prepared with a bottle of water, so you don't get dehydrated. If you are taking your dog with you bring them some water too!

Now, get outside. Walking outside beats a treadmill anytime. You get to enjoy nature and breath in some fresh air.

Stretch first. Tight muscles will just lead to a painful walk. Stretch your legs, your back and even your arms. A walk gives your whole body a workout, so stretch all those muscles to warm up.

Breath in and breath out. Rhythmical breathing can help relax you and you will be able to keep walking more if your aren't panting or breathing too fast.

Use imagery. Visualize what you want to do. Are you walking to lose weight? Picture what you want to look like when you've met your weight loss goals. Are you walking to strengthen muscles? Picture those results.

Get the right shoes. Walking shoes are important. Make sure they fit comfortably, not too tight and not too loose. You don't want blisters. If you are looking for extra help many shoes companies, like Reebok, are making special shoes that help work your muscles even more for better and faster weight loss.

Make a goal. Just like with your visualization. Make a plan, write it down and stick with it. Are you going to walk once every day or just once a week? Are you going to change up your routine, or walk the same path each day?

Mix in intervals for a better heart and body workout. Walk medium paced for fifteen minutes, then speed up for ten, repeat.

Track your heart rate. Know that you are getting it pumping, for the best in workouts. And track your steps, know how much you have walked. The more steps the better your legs and the rest of you will feel in the end!

Add hills to your path for an even tougher workout. Walk when it's windy, fighting the wind will give you a better workout too. Walk in the cold and your body will burn more calories trying to warm up!

Exercise your core first. This will be of great benefit. The core is where the bodies strength comes from. A fit core will mean better posture too. And strengthen your muscles with yoga before hand for a better walking experience.

Get a buddy. No one likes to walk alone. We do it out of necessity. Find a friend of like mind who wants to get in shape too and schedule some walks with them.

Have a mantra. Mantras are not only a good meditation skill, but they can also help you get through your walk much easier. My favorite mantra, which will work for walking too, is "I am driven, and I will succeed."

source:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/walking/HQ01612