Walking with Style

Nothing is worse for the fitness-minded than sustaining an injury. If life really gets you down, you might even need a few months for a recovery. Last May, I sustained runner's run after pushing myself too hard during the Mississauga, Canada Reebok half-marathon run. At the end of the race, I was hurting from the vast hills that I hadn't prepared to encounter, but when you're in the course, you're into finish. Hence, the pain that I thought would go away with a hot bath and a glass of wine. I couldn't have been more wrong.

Runner's knee is a serious injury that can happen in tons of sports. It can happen to skiers, basketball, soccer, and football players alike. Runner's knee, or palletofemoral pain, is a term referring to pain in the knee. The best way to know if you've got runner's knee is to tackle a set of stairs or take a hike. In my case, I realized there was something really wrong with my knee when I was out on a hike two weeks later that had been a gradual uphill course. Things got bad on the return trip when the pain in my knee was so bad that I thought I was going to have to let my fiance carry me back to the car. I made it back home, but I knew that I had to stop all load-bearing activities until I felt I had recovered. Eight weeks later, my knee is better.  I can walk stairs, handle work-outs, and I can run short distances. But, I'm back to the start in terms of rebuilding my strength. In the process of looking for new fitness lifestyle, I found something way better for my body than running and it also happens to be a fitness trend. It's called walking and nothing is better than walking with style.

In the search for fitness-enhanced products, I always start at Gaiam.com. I discovered that they actually have a walking category filled with products that will get you in shape and toned for future.

Walking Workout System 
by Gaiam

Get your heart pumping and boost metabolism, strength, tone and flexibility. Features a 60-minute cardio walking workout on audio CD plus a 30-minute strength-and-flexibility workout (VHS) using soft-grip hand weights (3lbs. each) and a cotton Fitness Strap.

Walk Yourself Fit DVD

Chris Freytag shows you three easy workouts to drop pounds and firm up fast.

Walkvest Advanced Kit
by gaiam

Amp up your workout with the weighted resistance of the WalkVest – invented by Debbie Rocker, former pro athlete and an originator of Spinning®. Suitable for all fitness levels, the WalkVest increases the fat-burning, lean-muscle-building and bone-strengthening effects of walking, running and hiking. Our kit features Debbie’s complete 30-minute workout DVD, a 20-minute audio CD and eight ½-lb. weights (4 lbs. total), plus the adjustable, breathable cotton vest. S-M-L.

Pedometer Fitness Kit - Advanced Level  New
by Gaiam

Work out with one of America’s top trainers. Our walking-for-life kits include everything you need: fitness coach, Debbie Rocker; a pedometer to track results; and an endurance-building workout program. Debbie’s varying-intensity workout – combined with energizing, motivating music – burns calories and takes you to your next fitness level. Advanced Kit features a 60-minute audio CD with Debbie’s most challenging workout; pedometer has a pulse rate sensor, stopwatch and backlight. Imported.

• Fitness expert Debbie Rocker has worked with such celebrities as Marcia Cross, Lisa Rinna, Kristin Davis, Rachel Hunter and Courtney Thorne-Smith; she is one of the original developers of Spinning® • Upbeat, motivating music and guided instruction is proven to effectively increase your results • Debbie coaches you every step of the way, with posture tips, walking techniques and upbeat reminders of what your ultimate goals are • Download the CD onto an MP3 for your own personal coaching workout sessions • All pedometers are lightweight, compact and feature a step counter, distance log, calorie counter and clock • Pedometer set up and usage instructions included

However, you must remember, walking is walking and you don't need a gym membership to get started! Just get motivated to keep a regular schedule. Prevention.com has created a wonderful free walking calendar based on your fitness goals.

Get free walking podcast from iTunes or buy inexpensive walking podcasts from the pros like Country Walking with Kathy Smith or Lean Walk System with Kathy Smith. Hey, the big point is do what you've got to do.

Now, I've got a 5k, instead of a marathon, to train for this month & you know...life is looking pretty good!

Comments

[Winston]

Walking is the perfect exercise, I agree. It puts minimal pressure on the muscle groups, it's enjoyable, its a cardio exercise, and it damn well can be done in a group with nobody left out.

A good article about the benefits of walking can also be found here : http://www.siakoi.com/health/just-keep-walking.html