Power walking 101

Power walking is a type of exercise that involves walking with a purpose. It emphasizes the strong movement of the arms to help you propel yourself forward.

You’ll experience several health benefits by adding power walking into your exercise routine. It has been shown to boost cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and power and  joint health. It can also help  improve your mental health by increasing your self-esteem and confidence.

How to power walk

Power walking might look simple, but it can easily be done wrong if you don’t know the proper techniques. Here are some important pointers to help you get started with power walking.

Swing your arms, but not too much

One of the main components of power walking is the arm swing. However, it’s important not to overdo it, as this could actually slow you down and cause you to become unstable on your feet.

Swing your arms gently, using opposite arm-to-leg movements. So, as your left leg is taking a step forward, swing your right arm forward and vice versa. Keep your arms bent at 90-degree angles.

Keep your head up

Posture is important in any form of exercise, including power walking. Maintaining a great posture while you’re power walking will help prevent muscle soreness and injuries.

Keep your head up and your eyes looking forward while you're moving forward. Engage your core to keep your torso stable and your upper body upright. Avoid causing too much tension in your neck and shoulders, as this could negatively impact your exercise performance and recovery.

Strike with your heels first

The proper technique for power walking involves striking the ground with your heels on every step you take. Once your heel has hit the ground, gently roll through the foot toward the toes.