BLOG: Pick Up The Pace

When I ask the question, "What type of exercise are you doing now?"—a popular answer is "I walk." Or, as it was recently admitted to me... "We walk every day, but they are mainly just gab sessions."

Yes, walking is a form of exercise, but it's also something that is done every day, without the intent of health improvement. After all, it's our means of mobility. People walk from cars to their offices, from their desk to lunch, etc ... Yet, despite all the walking done, we still have a major problem with obesity in the country. So, walking is not enough.

Now, before you think I'm completely discounting walking as a viable form of exercise, keep reading.

Walking (on purpose) can be a great addition to an exercise program. You should also be doing some type of resistance training. But, most people don't walk at a pace fast enough to provide any benefit.

So how do you know if you're walking fast enough?

The best method of determining your pace is the Talk Test. If you can comfortably carry on a conversation while you're walking, you need to speed up.

Walking is great exercise, and it's also a good social outlet. So, by all means get a friend or two and go for a walk. But, it you find you're doing more talking than walking—it's time to pick up the pace.

David E. Cox, ACE-CPT, is a personal trainer that has dedicated his life to helping to improve the lives of others through exercise and healthy living. He is owner of Positive Vibes Fitness, a private personal training studio in Glen Burnie, MD where we educates, motivates, and inspires people from all walks of life. Be sure and sign up for his monthly eNewsletter, The Vibe, at www.positivevibesfitness.com