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The Ultimate Guide to Brisk Walking for Beginners - Genetic Nutrition

The Ultimate Guide to Brisk Walking for Beginners

, by Sandesh Prasannakumar, 10 min reading time

Introduction

It is easy and does not require much effort; brisk walking is one of the most effective exercises regarding health risks and fitness. Unlike running, it is easy on the knee and feet but is as effective as any other cardio equipment meant to exhilarate and exercise the heart. Suppose you want to exercise to enhance your health. In that case, it is advised to begin with brisk walking since you can gain many benefits, such as improved endurance, weight control, muscular development, or better well-being. This complete guide about brisk walking will provide all the information a beginner would require regarding how to walk, the right form and pace to adopt, the recommended tips for motivation, and the numerous benefits of brisk walking. Alright, let’s go and start stretching!

Tips to Get Into Brisk Walking

Brisk walking is easy for anybody who wants to start exercising today but has been leading a very inactive lifestyle. All you require is comfortable walking shoes, an appropriate dress code, and a slight self-motivational attitude. Here are some tips to get started:

  • Start with manageable goals, such as 10-15 minutes of brisk walking. As you build your stamina, you can gradually increase the duration of your walks. This gradual progression ensures that you don't feel overwhelmed and can enjoy the benefits of brisk walking at your own pace.
  • Choose a flat area on the street you live in or around the park since steep hills are not recommended.
  • Avoid going for your walks whenever you want; plan to go for a walk to prevent it from being turned into a mere pastime.
  • Having accompanied you as this is advisable helps motivate each other and ensures that you are safe throughout the process.
  • Carry on an interesting conversation on the phone or listen to lively music to make walks more fun.

In terms of physical activity, the recommended level of physical activity is 30-60 minutes of brisk walking 3-5 times a week. Within a few weeks, you will start experiencing improved endurance, mood and energy levels.

Proper Technique and Form

Like any activity, brisk walking is most beneficial when done with the right technique. Paying attention to your form can help you get the most out of your walks and prevent injuries. Follow these form tips to ensure you're walking correctly:

  • Stand tall – Keep your head high and your shoulders in the correct position, and keep your eyes forward and not down.
  • Flex your abdominal muscles and maintain your back posture.
  • Swing arms from shoulders to move the body forward.
  • Start with the heel and shift the body's weight forward smoothly with the sole.
  • Walk more lightly, taking shorter and quicker steps - Try to maintain a pace of at least 100 steps per minute.
  • Breathe with both mouth and nose.

Poor posture and swing prevent the body’s muscles from being fully involved, cause the heart rate to rise, and increase the risk of injury. Utilise an app to track step frequency or simply a timer to gradually work up to a brisk stepping rate.

What is the Right Speed According to You?

One common issue for people new to walking is determining how to set an appropriate pace conducive to brisk walking. Walking faster, just below the breathlessness level, is advised. You should be walking with some sense of direction while circulating the premises with something to talk about. 

A good guideline for learners is walking at a pace where their heart rates are between 60-75 % of their max. Your max heart rate is the maximum number of times your heart can beat in a minute, which can be estimated by subtracting your age from 220. After some time, when your stamina is developed, you start including short sprints of speed intervals. Sprint for 30-60 seconds and rest for 1 minute, and then you can go for another 30-60 seconds.

Major Benefits of Brisk Walking

While any physical activity is good for your health, brisk walking, in particular, offers unique benefits, including:

  1. Aids in weight loss - Helps avert obesity-related diseases - Reduces cholesterol levels and lessens the likelihood of getting heart disease and stroke
  1. Wight Management - Helps in weight loss and weight management acceleration through the burning of calories through muscle contractions
  1. Promotes Bone and Muscle Development – This exercise helps to build the lower body muscles, which are crucial for offering support to joints.
  1. Cherish the Mood and Energy Levels – Brisk walking releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that can make you feel happy and reduce your perception of pain. This, along with the energy boost resulting from improved blood circulation, can help elevate your mood and energy levels.

Tips for Staying Motivated

No matter how well-planned it is, starting an exercise program requires dedication and sometimes even sweat. But again, brisk walking should also be exciting! Here are tips for staying motivated over time:

  • If you want to ensure that you are increasing your daily movement, keep a diary or use an app to record your walks.
  • A good example is to take a break for a bubble bath once you have done 10,000 steps or completed your work for the day.
  • Purchase new exercise wear to achieve a certain set of objectives.
  • Enter into a covenant relationship with someone with whom you can meet or communicate often. This could be a friend, family member, or even a personal trainer. Having someone to share your progress with and who can provide encouragement can be a powerful motivator.
  • Check out new pathways in order not to get bored
  • Take advantage of audiobooks or favourite podcasts during a brisk walk.
  • Instead of concentrating on the type of activity, remain conscious of how you feel after being active.

Conclusion

Brisk walking can easily be implemented into daily routines and is a good way to encourage beginners to be active. You can take a 10-15 minute walk today to start with it, and you are ready to go! The following tips can help: They should make sure they exercise with the right form; they should start with shorter durations like 30-60 minutes and gradually progress; incorporate strength training, get friends to join in and encourage each other, change the routes to avoid monotony, and keep a record of their exercising streaks. Bear the commitment and wait for the setbacks and plateaus, and you will receive all the benefits of a healthier life. There you have it; go out there, breathe that fresh air and let's get our bodies moving!

For all your protein and supplement needs, visit Genetic Nutrition!

FAQs:

1. Can we consider brisk walking as a form of exercise?

In fact, for an average healthy adult, 30 to 60 minutes of moderate brush walking five days a week will contribute to adequate health and fitness. Regular brisk walking gives better workouts to the heart and lungs, helps build muscles, reduces tension and stress, helps in weight reduction and decreases the risks of diseases. Incorporation of strength training and yoga in the training program over an extended period results in a good program.

2. How fast should I walk to lose weight?

It is suggested by several specialists that one must try to walk at a pace of 3-4 miles an hour, or 17-20 minutes per mile, to lose fat and use walking as a way of losing weight. This makes it harder for more muscles to be worked and the heart rate to be raised for shorter times, meaning that more calories are burnt.

3. What measures should be taken to avoid an injury while walking briskly?

It is advisable to gradually increase the duration and frequency so as not to overstrain or injure our muscles. Drinking adequate water and other fluids before long strolls are recommended; bring calves, hamstrings, quads, and hip flexors before finishing. Recovery is also important—always provide a rest day between brisk walks. Walking shoes that are appropriate for walking also form part of the prevention measures that should be undertaken.

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