Adding Nordic walking poles to your workout adds upper body muscle engagement that helps boost calorie burn. (Getty Images)
Walking is a severely underrated activity. Accessible at any time — no need for fancy exercise equipment or a gym membership — walking regularly can improve mood, sleep and energy levels. It's also beneficial for bone and heart health and may even be one of the keys to a longer life. But, as with other forms of exercise, progressing to a more challenging routine can help maximize the benefits of your daily stroll.
Keeping your workouts fresh can also boost motivation and help you stick to your healthy habits. "Walking is an important factor in your overall health, but your daily walking routine may sometimes feel boring if you're not switching it up or challenging yourself," says Christynne Helfrich, a doctor of physical therapy and consultant at Hinge Health.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to amp up your walking routine to increase muscle engagement, support bone and joint health and burn more calories.
You don't have to sprint to incorporate interval training into your routine. Walking at a faster pace for short intervals can help improve your cardio threshold and cardiovascular health, says Joy Puleo, ACSM, director of education at Balanced Body. "Even adding short intervals of light jogging will do the trick — as little as 20 to 30 seconds for every two minutes of walking can reap excellent results," she says.
If you're new to interval training, Devin Trachman, orthopedic physical therapist at Physical Therapy Central, recommends starting by walking at a normal pace for two minutes and then at a brisk pace for one minute, alternating until you finish your walk. "Work towards reducing the normal pace time to 1.5 minutes and increasing brisk walking time to 1.5 minutes, and then eventually you can brisk walk for 2 minutes and do a normal or slower pace for 1 minute," says Trachman.
When adding intervals, be mindful of how you're feeling during and after your workout. If it feels too hard or stressful, or you're experiencing prolonged soreness afterward, ease your routine by taking breaks or splitting your walk into shorter sessions.
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Garmin's Venu 3S lives up to the brand's stellar reputation for durability, precise tracking and impressive battery life, while also excelling in its ability to monitor workouts across various sports and disciplines.
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With multiple weight options and a convenient removable zippered pouch, the Zelus Weighted Vest is a great choice for both walking and hiking. Its smooth straps, balanced weight distribution and open design make it comfortable to wear — even on warm days.
For the full Nordic walking experience, we recommend investing in a pair of Leki Traveller Alu Nordic Walking Poles. While they look similar, Nordic walking poles are typically shorter than hiking or trekking poles and feature a hand-grip system with a wrist strap that allows for a greater range of arm motion. The Leki Traveller Alu poles feature an ergonomic grip specifically designed for Nordic activities to maximize performance. They're also quick to adjust, lightweight and compact — perfect for walking adventures both near and far.
Treadmills offer a convenient way to reap the benefits of a hill workout without needing an actual hill. Dubbed the best treadmill for walking, the Sole F63 offers a roomy deck, high-quality motor and 325-pound weight capacity that our testers appreciated. With a max incline of 15%, it's perfect for simulating challenging hill climbs. And if you feel like picking up the pace, the 12 mph top speed easily supports jogging or running intervals.
Featured on Shark Tank, Bala Bangles are sleek, adjustable silicone weights designed to be worn on your wrists or ankles, adding a convenient boost of resistance to your walking workouts. Available in three different weights and a wide range of colors, these bands combine function with fashion. Reviewers love their minimalist design, comfortable fit and ease of use. For more options, check out our list of the best ankle and wrist weights for any home workout.
Amanda Grimm, a certified personal trainer and running coach with We Run, says that wearing a weighted vest is one of the best ways to boost the intensity of your workout without having to pick up the pace. It also helps burn more calories and has been shown to help protect older adults against bone mass loss that can occur during weight loss.
"You should start with 10 to 15 minutes when using a weighted vest for the first time," says Grimm. Which weighted vest to choose depends on your body weight, fitness level and the type of training you're doing. Trachman recommends starting with a vest that's 10% of your body weight and seeing how you do. "Then add weight weekly as you become stronger and more comfortable," she says.
Trachman warns against using a backpack instead of a proper vest, however. "A backpack can cause a shift in your center of gravity and cause gait mechanics to change," she says. You can choose from a lighter shoulder-holster style if you plan on running or a heavier, full-torso vest for lower-impact walks.
Fit is important too — aim for snug but not restrictive. Also, it's important to understand that not everyone should use a weighted vest. Grimm advises checking with a health care professional first if you're pregnant, have a cardiovascular condition or have chronic back, neck or joint issues.
Nordic walking includes using Nordic walking poles in a way that mimics cross-country skiing, with a full arm swing and push-off motion to propel yourself forward. Using the poles engages your upper body muscles, providing more of a full-body workout than regular walking. One small study found that Nordic walking was more effective than high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or regular moderate walking for improving heart disease patients' ability to walk longer distances. It was also found to help improve depression and overall quality of life.
Limited research also suggests that Nordic walking is especially beneficial for older adults' cognitive and physical health. Certified personal trainer Josh York says using Nordic walking poles can also increase the number of calories burned, as they help to target the upper body and put additional focus on your core. "Walking poles also make the walk a more aerobic workout, increasing heart rate and lung capacity," he adds.
Walking on an incline will amp up your walking routine by increasing your effort without running. And going down hills is also beneficial, challenging different muscle groups as you brace against gravity, says Puleo. "Adding inclines and declines will both increase [the] challenge and change up the routine while keeping the mind in tune with the body and elevating heart rate," she explains.
Adding inclines is a joint-friendly, low-impact way to boost the calorie burn and cardiovascular benefits of a walk. You can find a local hill or use the incline or decline setting on a treadmill or walking pad. "Walking stairs is another way to add inclines and declines to your routine," adds Puleo.
Incorporating weight training into your routine can help increase muscular strength and endurance. Helfrich suggests adding free weights such as dumbbells to your walk. "Adding this extra weight will help your muscles get stronger and more resilient so you can adapt to a variety of exercise types and intensities," she says.
Ankle weights are another great way to amp up a walk. York explains that they force your body to work more muscles by adding extra weight to your legs. "Ankle weights also help improve balance and overall muscle tone," he adds.
Trachman also recommends wrist weights, saying, "This is a great and simple way to help strengthen your cardiovascular system." Start with 1- to 3-pound weights, then slowly increase as your strength improves over time.
Christynne Helfrich, doctor of physical therapy, OCS, physical therapist consultant at Hinge Health, a digital clinic for joint and muscle pain
Joy Puleo, ACSM, master's degree in applied physiology, Pilates instructor, avid runner and director of education at Balanced Body
Devin Trachman, orthopedic physical therapist at Physical Therapy Central
Amanda Grimm, certified personal trainer and running coach with We Run
Josh York, certified personal trainer and founder of Gymguyz, an in-home personal training franchise
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
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