by blake beckcom
“I Walk…”
and demanding personalities have them out front towing the line leading our pack. Hence, by the end of our dog walks, we are sweaty and a tad out of breath; a much higher benefit to the “I walk” scenario. The key: I feel the need…for speed. Try to look at it like this. You are heading to
a work meeting at which 300 people will be waiting. If late, you are required to stand at the podium and sing for the group as your penitence for being tardy. How fast would you walk to avoid that humiliation? Some of you may be able to sing and it’s no big deal, but most of us would flat-out run to avoid the experience. The key here is your walking pace. Walk as
Often times when conversing with someone, small talk gener-
ally leads to “What do you do for a living?” I always find the topic an interesting one and am generally “all ears,” due to the myriad occu- pations and career paths that abound in our society. When it comes time to clarify what I/we do as fitness professionals, invariably one of the questions I ask is, “Are you exercising?” Nine out of ten times the answer is. “Well, I walk...”
Now let’s think that statement through. As a
form of exercise, walking is absolutely better than doing nothing. But, ask yourself, “How long have I known how to walk?” That’s right, you learned that skill at the ripe old age of about 2-years-old, back when you were a wee lad or lassie. Walking feels effortless and is as thoughtless as looking in the direction you want to walk and off you go with ease. Okay, perhaps not steadily at 2-years of age, but as you perfected the movement you mastered it and no longer had to have conscious thought to execute steps. So, when folks say to fitness pros, “I walk.” We
have to then dig in to the mechanics of “how.” If you walk at a leisurely pace and are able to
50 RAGE monthly | AUGUST 2014
chat and fill in your walking partner, or be filled in by them, on the latest gossip, your walk pace is too slow to give you any real aerobic benefit. Though, this is still better than just sitting on your couch. For fitness purposes however, if you can talk, you are not moving fast enough. This also holds true when that “exercise” includes a walk with your dog(s). If they stop to smell everything and do not stay on task, chances are you are walking too slowly to have any aero- bic impact. But again, this is better than doing nothing. Personally, we have four little Chihuahuas who
are a definite handful; but amazingly, those little legs, as well as their courageous spirits and bossy
if you are late to that important meeting, at which all those waiting eyes will accusingly turn and witness your untimely entrance…L-A-T-E! Now you’re moving at a pace with purpose and intentionality, that will produce far better results health-wise than just “walking.” It has also been said that those who work out
to their own tune, that is, ear buds and personal music choices, have greater workout intensity and greater focus. From personal experience I can say that this is, hands down, the truth. So, pop in those ear buds and jam to your favorite tunes as you pick up your walk-pace, to make the time invested and meaningful. Choose dif- ferent routes; uphill, downhill, walk a piece of it backwards, skip, bring the dog, leave the dog, but keep the “late to a meeting” idea in focus. Also, fill your walks with variety, so it won’t be boring and will keep your body from adapting. To challenge and to improve it, keep your body guessing. A standard “I walk” generally won’t get it, so bump up that pace! But again, “I walk,” is better than nothing!
Fitness Together Mission Hills offers personal training with qualified professionals by regular appointment in private suites. Exercise and nutritional programs are custom de- signed to fit your needs and abilities. Call 619.794.0014 for more information or to schedule a free fitness diagnostic and private training session.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80