Spring Fling

Not that kind of fling, the workout kind of spring fling. When things start to bloom and the weather gives you a taste you just can’t resist, go for a walk. Start that exercise program, that’s been tapping on the inside of your heart and head. It’s OK, to start small but starting is the key to success. These are some great walking and workout tips in ”Great Spring and Summer Workouts,” from Jackie Wright of the Sky-Hi Daily News.

On those days when mother nature cooperates and the roads are dry, the following workout is a good bet. The hiking trails may not be dry enough for hiking, but some roads that are not too busy may be a great location to get out there and walk.

• If you have been working out regularly, choose a path that will provide you with hills and flats so that you can train steady state and anaerobically. If you are just beginning an exercise program, choose terrain that is as flat as possible.

• Rather than focusing upon distance, think about duration. Regular exercisers might choose a path that will take 30-60 minutes to complete. Beginners might initially choose a path that will take 20-30 minutes to complete.

• Warm-up by walking at an easy pace for five to ten minutes.

• Then, begin a fitness walk by keeping a pace which will enable you to say your name and phone number during the steady state segments but not to easily carry on a conversation (i.e. flats/downhills). 

• On hills, if you have been working out regularly, push yourself up the hill at a pace which will cause you to become breathless for 10/30 seconds and to actively recover in 10/30 seconds, depending upon your fitness level. If you are just beginning an exercise program, walk slowly up the hills, taking breaks when necessary but keep the feet moving.

• Complete the fitness walk by bringing the intensity down to the point where you can easily carry on a conversation, then perform stretches for all major muscle groups of the body.

I use my music to warm up, there’s no thought required, just follow the beat for 3 or 4 songs and you end up with a warm up session. Then plug your ears because the music gets cranked up and the first hill hits you between the feet. Now you’re working, or better yet, walking with purpose. 

MikeZ_walking, exercise for the rest of us. walking, exercise for the rest of life.

Please consult your physician before starting any exercise or weight loss program.
Your physician is your very best resource.