There are a horde of benefits you can get from modest-intensity exercises, which makes walking an excellent choice for anyone who wants to stay healthy. But, just like eating the same thing every day can get boring, doing one type of exercise daily can also get stale. Even some small tweaks can help in making a world of difference. If you want to avoid the monotony of daily walks, you can make some simple changes to put a spring in your step. Check out some of the best ways to shake up your walking routine below.
Use hand weights
You can combine strength training and cardio when you add weights to your walking routine. You can carry hand weights during your walk, as this will provided an added level of energy burning. However, this does not mean that you carry them for the entire duration of your walk. They should not be carried for a long period of time because overuse can lead to injuries.
Look for a fitness trail
Strength training is not just about using weights. You can also use your body to get strong. There are fitness trails that come with obstacle courses with equipment for rowing, pushups, pullups and stretches that can be helpful in building both lower and upper body strength. You can find these fitness trails at local parks.
Make it a circuit
Another option you can explore for shaking up your walking routine is to make it a circuit. You can put a pair of dumbbells somewhere at home, or in your lawn. Take a walk around the block and then stop to do some tricep lifts and bicep curls before walking again. When you are doing cardio workouts, it is best to avoid ankle weights because they do not use your hamstrings and use quadriceps instead. Moreover, this can also lead to muscle imbalance.
Find a friend
People who work out together can stay healthy together. If you exercise with a group, you will be able to improve and also maintain your health and enjoy the process as well. Find a walking buddy who has a regimen similar to yours, or one you want to have. It can also provide you with the motivation you need to continue walking because there will be someone to encourage you.
Give meditation a try
Meditation has become very immensely and there is a good reason; mind-body relaxation practices are helpful for reducing blood pressure, regulating glucose metabolism circadian rhythms and inflammation. You can turn any kind of exercise into a meditation of sorts. When it comes to a walk, you can do this by blocking out the outside world by listening to music on your headphones, or to a podcast. You can also choose relaxing surroundings to walk, such as a trail or a park. There are also apps that provide you with guided meditations that you can practice during walking.
With these tips, you can shake up your walking routine to get the most benefits out of it.
