Power walking tips?

Anyone else here into power walking on a regular basis?
For the last three months, I’ve been trying to hit the pavement 3 or 4 times a week for about an hour at a time—sometimes even grabbing those little one-pound weights to spice things up. I noticed some people mentioning that it's supposedly best to go for a walk first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, but I’ve always been more of an evening walker...😕
Where do you guys usually head, how long are you going for, and what kind of results are you seeing...???
🙂

Sandra Stewart74 said:Anyone here actually getting out there for regular power walking sessions?
So, for the last three months, I’ve been trying to stick to a routine—walking about three or four times a week for an hour at a time. Sometimes I even toss in some one-pound dumbbells just to feel like I'm actually doing something. I’ve seen some people online claiming that walking on an empty stomach first thing in the morning is the absolute gold standard, but I’ve always been more of an evening walker. Is there actually a difference, or am I just doing it wrong?😕
So, where are we all walking, how long are you actually putting in the miles, and—more importantly—is any of it actually paying off? Give me the details.
🙂

Every single morning, right after I roll out of bed, I spend an hour doing low-intensity aerobic work—basically just some light walk aerobics. Then, to wrap things up, I head out for a quick 30 to 40-minute stroll in the evening. If you’re looking for a tip, try walking every day, but do it first thing in the morning—that's when your body actually starts tapping into fat for fuel.

It’s not a bad time at all, maybe right before you hit the sack... Just a little way to kickstart the metabolism, which basically means burning more calories while you sleep.

Sandra Stewart74 said:Is there anyone here who does power walking regularly?
I’ve been trying to get out 3-4 times a week for about an hour lately—sometimes even carrying those little one-pound hand weights. I read some people swear by walking first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, but I usually stick to my evening walks.😕
Where do you all walk, how long are your sessions, and what kind of results are you actually seeing?
🙂

In the US, maybe a dozen people actually compete in competitive power walking.
Check out www.americanlegion.com and reach out via their contact page.
There’s a race coming up at Central Park in early October 3.1 miles so you should come along.
My wife and I have been doing this for a year now—we can clock a 28-29 minute pace on the 3.1 miles course at our fastest.

Setting aside competitive race walking—which is its own beast with strict rules and specific techniques—standard brisk walking can serve as both light recreation and a legitimate workout.
For seniors or those just looking for casual exercise, thirty minutes of power walking a day does the trick. However, if you want to level up, longer treks, hill climbs, or using trekking poles offer a cardiovascular burn similar to running, but with significantly less impact on your joints.
In many parts of the US, walking is such a massive part of the fitness culture that there are even full-scale marathons dedicated specifically to walkers.

Check this out: http://walking.about.com

Hey, yep, there are race walkers right here in Washington, D.C.!
Latest update: EVERY Wednesday at 7:00 PM, a small crew from the American Legion and some friendly local clubs meets up at Central Park for some walking practice. We gather by the ramp behind the US Rowing Club. We’ve got a well-lit path set up in the pedestrian zone just behind the bleachers. We’re more than happy to show anyone the ropes—not just for competitive race walking, but also what to keep in mind if you're just out for a recreational stroll. Honestly, there isn't a huge difference between power walking and sport walking; just pump your arms a bit more and lengthen your stride, and suddenly you've stepped into the world of true fast walking. You won't be a pro overnight, but it's a massive leap forward. I'll admit, it looks a little goofy on TV, but seeing it in person is a whole different vibe, especially when you try it yourself!
Also, mark your calendars: on November 12, 2006, at 1:30 PM, we're hosting a 3.1 miles race walking competition at the same spot. The highlight? We'll have world and European veteran champion Marco Andretti competing, along with nearly all of our top athletes!

if there are walkers
there's also a website dedicated to power walking
http://www.mim-sraga.com/brzo-hodanje.htm
i guess since we're basically just anyone who knows how to move
which is pretty much everyone with at least two legs
they can join us
we'll take people with one leg too, I suppose
i've got one good leg and about three-quarters of the other, so i walk
a bit of a limp, a little swaying when i go
so the head referee is always giving me warnings, but whatever, doesn't matter. the point is just to walk.

you know that story about the tortoise and the hare?

well, i'm the tortoise, but i'm persistent. 😉

Anyone know if there are any "walkers" out in San Francisco lately?

Anyone know if there's a "walker" out in San Francisco?

Anyone know if there's a "walker" out in San Francisco?

There’s this walker in San Francisco, Jasmine Crowe, from the Kvarner Regional Association, who has been competing in national championships for a few years now at 6.2 miles.

I’m really digging this power walking with dumbbells trend. I walk quite a bit myself and tend to pick up the pace, so the idea of adding weights sounds pretty interesting. Does anyone know where I can pick some up, what the typical price range is, and most importantly, how heavy should I start with?

thanks

The first hour doesn't even count toward the real progress. You don't actually see the results until you hit that second hour—that's when it starts counting... Anyway, kudos to everyone out there grinding through power walking. The key is constantly switching up your pace and intensity, along with your route, until you finally find your rhythm and become a decent walker...

Melissa Torres29 said:I’m really digging this weighted walking idea. I walk a ton and pretty fast, so adding some weights seems interesting. Where can I grab some? What’s the damage on price, and more importantly, how heavy should I start with?

thanks

If you're around Washington, D.C., I actually saw those ankle weights at Microsoft the other day... they had them tucked into a "yoga kit," but the label said they work for regular workouts too. 😉

Yeah, the whole kit was maybe $100 or so, and if I remember right, it even comes with a training disc or something. 🤔

I'm thinking about getting into power walking, and honestly, I feel like starting out at Central Park would be pretty perfect... does anyone actually know how many miles the whole loop is? Like, the full circuit around both lakes?

Does anyone know if there are any casual recreational clubs around here?
I’m especially interested in finding groups that go on organized hikes or weekend excursions rather than just running laps on a track, though I’d definitely love some info on track options too if anyone happens to have them!