Aerobic Walking with Weights
If you have been walking for a while you may want to advance to new ways of walking in order to enhance your healthy experience. I have selected a way to boost your walking aerobic benefit by adding weights to your routine. Belts or vests with pockets for inserting weights are the safest method since they distribute weight evenly over the upper body. I wear a light weight backpack and fill it with books, water bottles, etc. depending on how much I want to carry; however, you must make sure it is well balanced and fits properly. I can not recommend that you strap on ankle or wrist weights, or carrying hand weights because using these types of weights can increase the risk of injury to the joints – Why? Because they concentrate weight on only one part of the body and can compromise the overall performance of your walk and has the potential of slowing you down. If you find carrying weights is making you slow down your walking pace, you may be carrying too much weight. It is advisable that you start with a light weight and increase the weight as you start getting stronger. The important issue is distributing the weight equally so your body is not in an awkward position of leaning to the left or to the right. As you walk, remember that this is excellent in increasing your aerobic benefit of walking. Once you establish your reason for carrying weight will help you accept the importance of trying to put weights into your walking routine. Remember you are a “healthy walking” and you are willing to try new activities to increase the health benefits you are striving to achieve.
