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Walking is an excellent form of exercise that offers numerous health benefits. Whether you walk for exercise, commute, or simply enjoy strolling outdoors, increasing your walking speed can make your walks more efficient and help you achieve your fitness goals.
In this article, we will provide you with easy tips to boost your walking speed and make the most out of your walking routine. We hope these are useful tips for you to get started and hope to eventually see you on one of our trails!
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Focus on posture to help you improve your walking speed
Maintaining good posture while walking is crucial for efficient movement. Stand tall with your head up, and shoulders back, and engage your abdomen. Keep your arms bent at a 90-degree angle and swing them naturally with each step. Avoid slouching or leaning forward, as this can slow you down and strain your muscles.
Take shorter and quicker steps
One of the simplest ways to increase your walking speed is by taking shorter, quicker steps. Focus on reducing your stride length and increasing your cadence (steps per minute). Taking smaller strides can help you move more efficiently and reduce the risk of injury.
Enhance walking speed by engaging your core muscles
Your core muscles play a significant role in stabilizing your body while walking. Engage your abdominal muscles and maintain a strong core throughout your walk. This will help you maintain balance, improve posture, and generate power with each step, leading to a faster walking pace.
Amplify arm movement to enhance walking speed
Utilize your arms as counterbalances to maintain momentum and rhythm while walking. Increase the range of motion in your arms by swinging them more vigorously from front to back. The increased arm swing generates more power, propelling you forward at a faster pace.
Optimize foot strike for improved walking speed
Pay attention to how your feet land with each step. Aim to strike the ground with your heel first, rolling through the mid-foot to push off with your toes. This rolling motion allows for a smooth and efficient stride, helping you maintain a faster walking speed.
Engage your hips for a faster walking speed
Engage your hip flexors and glutes to generate power and propel yourself forward. Focus on driving your hips forward with each step, rather than relying solely on your leg muscles. This hip extension motion will increase your stride length and walking speed.
Gradual acceleration of walking pace
Start your walk at a comfortable pace, then gradually increase your speed as you warm up. Challenge yourself to walk faster than usual for short intervals throughout your walk. Over time, this will build stamina and increase your overall walking speed.
Increase walking speed with uphill walks
Incorporate inclines or hills into your walking route to build strength and speed. Walking uphill requires more effort and engages additional muscles, leading to a higher calorie burn and increased cardiovascular benefits. Maintain a brisk pace while walking uphill, and utilize the downhill sections as an opportunity to recover.
Optimize your walking speed with the right footwear
Invest in a good pair of walking or light running shoes that provide adequate support, cushioning, and stability. Proper footwear enhances comfort, reduces fatigue, and optimizes your walking performance. Choose shoes that fit well and are specifically designed for walking – some of our top recommendations would be brands like Hoka, Saucony, Asics, and Nike.
Conclusion
By implementing these easy tips, you can increase your walking speed, burn more calories, improve cardiovascular fitness, and make your walking routine more effective. Remember to start gradually and listen to your body to avoid overexertion or injury.
Enjoy the benefits of walking at a faster pace and make the most out of your outdoor activities. Lace-up your shoes, maintain good posture, engage your core, and start walking toward a healthier you. Follow us on Facebook for more interesting information!
