Fitness
Walking is Medicine
by Lynn Gray, RRCA Running Coach
As our society becomes more focused on technological advances and a busier lifestyle we find ourselves increasingly isolated, stressed, and physiologically more sedentary. The notion of “taking a break” is soothing and a practiced way of mentally relaxing. However, consider “taking a walk” as a far healthier and physically rewarding choice when desiring to briefly detour the stresses of life. It is a fact that the more control we have over our mental and physical well being increased overall health will occur, making day to day living more productive and meaningful.
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Form & Technique for Cardio Walking
by Lynn Gray, RRCA Running Coach
Form for the Cardio Walk
Like any other sport, the better form you engage in while performing, the more efficient and faster the body will move. Proper form in cardio walking will allow the body mechanics to accept it for long periods of time. Good technique and posture result in efficient long distance aerobic training. Let’s check you out to see how you currently walk. Have a family member or friend do a brief video of you while walking down the block. Do you notice that your shoulders may be slightly hunched over? That could manifest later into a sore back and tight calves. Do you hold your shoulders up and appear stiff? That would indicate a certain amount of stress you are under causing the shoulders to not relax. You need to put the shoulders down and arch the back a bit. Does it look like you walk like a robot, with a stiff torso, neck, shoulders, and legs? Eventually, that will tire you out physically and mentally and not allow you to have a relaxing walk. Finally, take a look at your arms. Are they hanging by your sides like weights and barely moving forward while walking? Or are you using your arms in unison with your walk, pushing them forward at a 90 degree angle for forward momentum.Click here to read more.
Take the First Step to Walking Fitness
by Lynn Gray, RRCA Running Coach
Most of us are familiar with the expression of “positive addiction”. We find ourselves trying to rid unhealthy habits with more positive ways of handling various stress relieving compulsions we engage in. Why do steady aerobic movements such as distance walking become so positively adapted into our lives? One reason is the actual time it takes to do a long walk will give the mind and body a chance to be removed briefly from the stresses of life.Click here to read more.
First Steps toward a Permanent Fitness Plan
by Lynn Gray, RRCA Running Coach
- Make the commitment. Sign and post a contract in a prominent place: I, ______ have decided to begin a walk to run program and complete a___________distance.
- Buy quality running shoes. Get a pair of running shoes, being sure to allow ½ inch between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
- Use the buddy system. A buddy once or twice a week will help keep you on your fitness plan. Join a club or other activities which help you meet those with similar fitness goals.
Mind-Body Fitness
by Lynn Gray, RRCA Running Coach
Mind-body fitness is what is happening these days in the exercise world…even for the hard core runners and triathletes. It is no wonder we are the ones that need the skills which yoga and Tai Chi teach us. Mind-body fitness requires us to slow down and mentally execute a physical movement with specific attention to breathing while gradually and methodically moving our limbs.
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