by Eliza Sterling

While walking might be seen as the most basic exercise, it is also one of the most potent when done right. ‘Our bodies were conceived and optimised for walking,’ affirms health and fitness authority Jane Stronge. Easy access, zero cost, and a less intimidating approach than a gym or complex fitness regime make walking a universally viable path to fitness. The secret to its power, though, lies in interval training.

The Underestimated Power of Walking

Recent research unveiled that routinely walking for around 40 minutes, eventually shrinks the risk of heart failure among post-menopausal women by a significant 25 per cent. Notably, the benefits of walking are argued to be at par with other forms of physical activity. ‘Walking at a medium to fast tempo carries nearly the same advantages of other exercise forms studied before in terms of reducing heart failure risk,’ reveals Dr Lilly Cavanaugh, a leading cardiology specialist.

However, not all steps equalise. ‘There’s a stark difference between escalating your step count and enhancing your fitness,’ points out Jane. Walking faster activates different muscles, promotes better breathing, and invigorates you.

Understanding Effective Walking Pace

A beneficial walking pace demands effort but shouldn’t feel zapping. You should experience a rewarding struggle, which translates into weight loss, muscle improvement, and better cardiovascular health. The key to maintaining such intensity lies in interval training.

Revealing the Secrets of Interval Walking

Interval walking blends bursts of climbing effort with dips of reduced effort, granting the ability to withstand a higher intensity workout. This intensity generates extensive calorie burn and enhanced fitness. The benefits even linger post your workout owing to a phenomenon termed Afterburn Effect. The more intense your workout, the longer your body continues to burn calories even after the workout. Strapping this into your routine can catapult your metabolic rate by 20%!

Walking into a Healthful Future: A 2-week Interval Plan

Our expert, Jane Stronge, has assembled a 2-week interval walking regimen to help transition from gentle strolls to accomplishing five miles at a brisk pace. Following this pattern can make you tangibly experience the power and benefits of being truly fit.

Thus, the journey from casual walks to a complete fitness transformation is now just two weeks away with our expert-advised interval walk plan.

Stay tuned for more master tips on the all-round benefits of walking.

walking benefits, interval training, fitness expert, walking pace, health benefits, interval walking, metabolic rate, cardiovascular health, weight loss