Morning walks are often celebrated as a simple yet effective way to kickstart your day, offering physical, mental, and emotional benefits. But not all morning walks are the same. Depending on your lifestyle, goals, and preferences, you can choose a type of morning walk that suits you best. Let’s discuss three popular types of morning walks—nordic walks, brisk walks, and chi walks—and explore which might be the ideal choice for you.
Brisk walks
For a more energetic morning start, brisk walking is the best. It is a faster pace walk, which can be enough to get your heart rate up and your breathing slightly heavier but still allowing you to hold a conversation. Brisk walking involves taking at least 100 steps per minute, which is about 2.7 miles per hour.
Does it help burn calories? Yes! Brisk walks are ideal for people who want to combine the mental clarity of walking with the physical benefits of aerobic exercise. A 30-minute brisk walk can help burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, and strengthen muscles. It’s a time-efficient way to integrate moderate-intensity exercise into your routine without needing a gym membership or specialized equipment.
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The energizing aspect of brisk walks also makes them popular with professionals or busy people. Having a kick-start for your day can boost your mood, sharpen your focus, and set the tone for positive hours ahead. Furthermore, endorphins that result from brisk walking reduce stress and anxiety—a much-needed benefit in today’s fast-paced world.
Nordic walk
Nordic walking is a dynamic and full-body workout that has gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. Originating in Finland as a summer training method for cross-country skiers, this activity uses specially designed poles to engage the upper body while walking. It’s an excellent way to combine aerobic exercise with strength training, making it suitable for people of all fitness levels.
How to start Nordic walking? The most important gear is a pair of poles. These poles come with ergonomic grips, wrist straps, and rubber tips for different terrains. Comfortable athletic shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather are also important. Nordic walking is coordination and flow. The main idea is to get the rhythm of the arm and leg movement to achieve an efficient workout. Start on flat terrains to get comfortable and acquainted with the technique before pushing one’s self to venture to trails or uneven terrains.
How is it better than traditional walking? Unlike simple walking, Nordic walking activates the upper body: arms, shoulders, and core. As a result, it becomes a workout that activates up to 90% of your muscles. More muscles involve more calories burned than during regular walking, which makes it one of the best exercises for weight loss. As per reports, one hour of Nordic walking can burn up to 400 calories.
Chi walk
Chi Walking is a revolutionary approach to walking that combines the principles of Tai Chi with the physical activity of walking. Designed to promote mindful movement, Chi Walking focuses on posture, balance, and energy efficiency, making it a powerful practice for physical health and mental well-being. Whether you are looking for a gentle workout, stress relief, or improved walking technique, Chi Walking offers a holistic solution.
Chi Walking is more than just an exercise; it’s a practice that transforms the way you move and experience life. The focus on proper alignment and technique minimizes stress on joints, making Chi Walking ideal for people with arthritis, joint pain, or mobility issues. The mindfulness aspect of Chi Walking promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Combining deep breathing with rhythmic movement helps calm the mind and elevate mood.
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