Walking is often seen as the beginning point on a fitness journey. It’s where people start until they get to running or spinning or other higher intensity workouts. But walking can be a killer workout! Walking is easier on your joints and still is an excellent cardio activity, burning almost the same amount of calories per mile as running. Just make sure you are mixing things up enought to be pushing yourself, not just out for a Sunday stroll. Your exertion should be at a 6-7 on a 10 point scale for a steady walk and it’s great to incorporate some higher intensity intervals in your walk. Here are a few of the best walking workouts to show you how to get the most out of your walk.
Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds Ultimate Collection
I love these dvds! I’ve been using them since way back in high school and they still deliver a great cardio workout that will get you moving and varying distances so you can get a longer “walk” in if you’d like. She also does some light resistance exercises with an exercise band. Perfect for a day with the weather doesn’t cooperate with your outdoor walk and you don’t have access to the gym.
45 Minute Power Walking Workout by Carrots n Cake
My go-to long walk workout that keeps things challenging and interesting by varying speed and even some walking lunges!
Work It Walking Workout by Fitnessista
A similar workout is in her Hiit It book and is a great way to really push yourself while walking on a treadmill. Your booty will be feeling the burn!
Stroller Fitness Workout by Blonde Ponytail
Put your walk to work! This workout mixes power walking (or running if you please) intervals in with a full body workout you can do with your babe in the stroller. Perfect for busy mamas and caregivers! (Note: the walking distances are 800 meters; if you’d rather power walk for time do it for 7 minutes.)
Bonus Tips for a Great Walking Workout
- Walk hills! Either a route you know will be hilly or the same hilly stretch multiple times.
- Go for a hike in the woods. The uneven surface will make your body (and brain) work a little harder.
- Speed up! It’s easy to fall into the same pace, but challenge yourself to walk fast 1-2 minute intervals.
- Walk your dog! It’s good for them too!
- Rock out while you workout. Get an upbeat playlist for your walk to keep you moving and grooving. Check out my Country Music Playlist and 2015 Top 40 Playlist for some great tunes!
- Get a group or the whole family together so you can socialize and catch up while you walk–moving more is good for everyone.
- Push, pull, or carry your kids while walking! The added resistance will burn more calories, plus builds healthy family habits!
- Use a step tracker to challenge yourself to walk 10,000 steps a day. See if you can beat your own records and friends!
[tweetthis]Use these walking workouts and tips to get the most out of your walk! #FitFluential #walking[/tweetthis]
The fall is a BEAUTIFUL time of year to get out and walk! The air is crips and there is so much to see! There is nothing wrong with a slower walk, if it’s just to be active and not in place of a workout. To really push your walk to the next level try one of these workouts or implement some of the walking tips!
Do you like to walk? How do you kick it up a notch while walking?
You aren’t kidding that walking can be a great workout! This past weekend, my sister and I were in Seattle and we walked a lot. As a matter of fact, my legs were so tired that when I attempted my long run on Sunday, I just wanted to curl up in a ball and cry! Not really, but those Seattle hills kicked my butt!
Seriously!! I probably would have just died. Haha!
I like this. Sometimes I just walk for my workout of the day and it is great, no pressure just movement.
Yes, for sure. Sometimes more than what my body needs, it is what my soul needs.
Walking can actually be pretty challenging if you keep a steady pace. I’m trying to walk more during my break and lunch at work. I’ll need to check out some of the links you shared!
Definitely! I take walks with my daughter almost everyday, but I’m still working on keeping myself challenged with my pace. She likes to go fast though!
definitely great workouts can be had walking and can be used as active recovery days. Great tips!
Absolutely! A walk is great to clear your head and get out in nature even if it’s not for your “workout”!
I try and walk on the mornings I don’t run which is 3 days a week. Walking is great to use different muscles than running but at the same time get your blood moving! It helps me to wake up in the morning and If I don’t get in my morning I feel sluggish all day!
Yes! The perfect start to the day. I can always convince myself to get up early for a walk.
I so need to walk more! I have a hard time raising my heart rate unless it’s a hill or an incline on a treadmill.
Great article and perfect alternative to share to with clients. Everyone thinks they have to run, jump or kick to get in shape. Walking definitely can be a benefit as well. Thanks for sharing!! Nic-
My pleasure!
Walking is great. I especially like hiking. Being out in nature is good for my mind and body.
Completely agree!
I love hiking in the fall – so beautiful!
Great tips – thanks for sharing!
Great post Kate! I think sometimes walking gets overlooked as a fitness option. This is the perfect time of year to start.
Great tips!! Walking can definitely be a challenging workout. I need to go hiking at some point – I think I run so much I forgot about how nice it is to walk!
I love walking and am excited that the weather is going to be more pleasant in the new few weeks. Thanks for sharing these workouts, I will pass them along to my walking gals 😉
Great post! Walking is no joke! I am a runner and sometimes I take for granted if I can run long distances I can easily walk long distances…not do. Walking actually makes me more sore than running!
all great points. ain’t nothing wrong with a walk. it’s something most folks can do and it’s fun! also a convenient way to get around town 🙂
So true! I miss when we lived somewhere we could walk to shops and the library.
Great post. Always trying to hit 10.000 steps on my fitbit.
Ack! Mine is dead and I keep forgetting to charge it! #theworst
I need to walk the dog more – she needs it and it’s a great way to decompress and just enjoy a walk with my doggie!
These are great! Thanks for sharing such a great compilation for great walking workouts! 🙂
I am such a slow walker but I will definitely be trying some of these during my recoery weeks after the marathon!