Power Walking...The Fat Blaster!

Today I want to discuss my new found love for power walking. I sorta touched on it [here] on a previous blog post. Well, I did a little research on power walking and who knew it could be such a fat blaster?

I used to enjoy jogging, but my right knee has kindly let me know, it would no longer participate in that activity. And if I should ignore his words, it would not be a pleasant experience :)

I'd been doing pretty good with my workouts lately. Well, I should say, I've been consistent with them. In the past it's a hit or miss situation. I'd workout for a week, quit for a week, repeat.  I've been getting up every morning at 4:30am (Mon-Fri) and putting in some type of workout DVD. Three days of cardio and two days of weight training. It was going well and I've noticed a difference. 

However, it wasn't until I re-vamped my workout days, and added in power walking on the weekends that I've noticed a major difference. Okay, now lets's discuss power walking. It's not the normal stroll that you see people doing most of the time. For it to really be effective: 

• Bend your arms slightly (90 degree angle)
• As you're walking swing your arms front to back. Keep your elbows in.
• Keep your abs and butt tight.
• Take short quick steps.
• Focus on landing on your heels and pushing off your toes.

At first, it's an awkward movement and you will look funny doing it. But it works!  The key is to focus on building up your speed 3.5mph - 5.0mph. You're moving quickly, and if you follow the above bullet points, it's an all over workout. You will feel it especially in your legs, butt, and abdominal muscles. Your midsection will tighten and shrink.

Oh, and another helpful hint. My friend told me about listening to techno music (stop laughing), who knew?!?!  I now pull up the "Electronic/Techno" music channel on my phone and that fast beat is the perfect pacesetter for your stride.

Are you currently a power walker? Hate it or Love it?

It's also an Olympic Sport [Race Walk]  Hmm, maybe I'll be ready to compete in Rio 2016?

Who's with me?  LOL!

Fitness...

"The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results."
-Anthony Robbins


"Ultimately, the only power to which man should aspire is that which he exercises over himself."
-Elie Wiesel

It's that time of year again. It's time for me to lose a few pounds. I'm not as bad as the biggie-sized wonder woman.. But there are days when I feel like it. If you've been following my blog you already know that I have a serious weakness for Nutter Butter bars and Little Debbie Nutty bars.

This is especially true when I'm writing. There is something about the creative process that triggers my brain to want nutty bars! I've even tried keeping healthy snacks around when I'm writing, and it hinders my creativity...I know you don't believe this, but it's true! LOL!! Needless to say, I've been writing up a storm here lately, so, uh, yeah. I've gained a few pounds.

But I have decided to do something about it. I've started back on my workout program. Yep, time to sweat! Feel the burn, baby! I've done INSANITY in the past and I enjoyed it, but I'm going to change up this time around. Maybe do a combo of INSANITY and Body Pump workouts. I'm also wanting to start running again. We will see if the running actually happens LOL!!   

I tend to get bored easily with workouts. I've also tried P90x and after a while I was bored and wanted to do something else.  I have a gym membership, but I find that I work out much harder and longer at home. Besides I have a mini-gym at my house. Equipment, weights, dvd's that I've acquired over the years. I really have no excuse not to work out.

I'm finding as I get older, the easier it is to just not exercise. I really used to enjoy working out, but not so much anymore. But it's one of those necessary evils you have to do!

Are you ready to sweat!!!