Good body sculpt session yesterday - increased my weight for leg work, as suggested by the instructor last Thursday
OK, now I do go out walking on a fairly regular basis - and I thought that I was REALLY walking - i.e., power walking - however, I've found out today that what I was doing was just strolling
Have just completed my power walk class - not studio based, but an actual walk which starts from the club and wends its way through the nearby country park, which includes a number of steep hills
There are various levels in the class, those who are more able strike out in front and those, like me, who are not fit enough or are just beginning, take up the rear
but it's not a problem -the instructor keeps a close eye on everyone
The instructor told me not to bother with technique too much today, but did advise me to concentrate on striking with the heel, rolling through the step and pushing off with my toes and not to overstride.
To go faster, you actually take smaller steps, digging the heel in more and this is where the 'wiggle' comes in - it helps you to go faster without breaking into a run.
We covered a 4 mile circuit in just under an hour and I managed to keep up fairly well, though it was extremely hard work - I was also really proud that I managed to walk up the two main steep hills without stopping
One of the girls that I was walking with told me that the first few times she had to stop several times going up them, so it was great that I'd got up in one go - mind you, I think the only reason I did it, was because I knew if I stopped, then I'd never start again
After strerching exercises when we got back, I took a look at myself in one of the mirrors in the changing room and my face was bright red - nearly an hour later it is only just back to its normal colour
So, I must have worked very hard
Will be interesting to see how my legs 'feel' tomorrow!
Quote:
From thewalkingsite.com:
Fitness walking is called by many different names - power walking, fitness walking, health walking. Power walking is much more than going out for a stroll. It incorporates the muscles of the upper body making it a GREAT aerobic activity. It burns approximately the same calories as a running program, yet it is much easier on the body. Because more muscles are used power walking will burn calories much quicker than less aggressive walking. It also tones muscles in the buttocks, thighs, hips, shoulders, upper back and abs. Most power walkers cover a mile in about 12 to 15 minutes.
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