Race walking: no more running, this discipline is your ally for weight loss

A discipline included in the Olympic Games, race walking (or fast walking) is an excellent alternative to running thanks to its many benefits. Weight loss, muscle strengthening, heart and artery health… What are all the benefits of this physical activity, and above all, how to practice it? Here are some answers.

No, brisk walking isn’t just for professional athletes, This sport is halfway between walking and running is attracting more and more fans. And for good reason, it is a physical endurance activity in its own right, which develops cardiovascular capacities and provides many benefits for the body. After all, it is a discipline that requires you to walk as quickly as possible over a given distance while constantly keeping one foot in contact with the ground. With an average pace going from 6 to 9 km per hourthere is something to burn calories!

Race walking: what are the benefits of this sport?

It is often wrongly thought that running is the cardio activity par excellence, when in fact The effectiveness of walking is no longer in doubt. And this is even more the case when it comes to race walking! This sport has undeniable benefits for your cardiovascular system : it helps reduce cholesterol, promotes blood circulation and strengthens the heart. But its virtues do not stop there.

Indeed, Brisk walking strengthens many muscles such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, glutes, but also the abdominals, spinal muscles (muscles of the spine), as well as those of the arms. Yes, the latter are also used since race walking is practiced by performing a pendulum movement. In addition to muscle strengthening, this discipline helps with weight loss and to refine your figure since it offers an interesting energy expenditure: count between 250 and 500 calories per hour ! Finally, brisk walking allows you to combat stress and anxiety, improve mood and sleep better.

What is the difference between running and race walking?

While top athletes can reach 15 km/h in fast walking, race walking and running are two distinct disciplines. Working, ground contact is permanent while the runner moves by jumping. The walker must always keep one foot on the ground because there is no suspension phase like when you run. The advantage of fast walking is that your joints (hips, knees and ankles) suffer less impact than in running. Translation: there is less of risk of injury. Furthermore, your supporting leg should remain straightwhile when running, the legs are bent.

How to get started with race walking?

Race walking is a nice compromise if you don’t like running but still want to do some cardio. Plus, it requires very little equipment, except good sports shoes. Brisk walking can be practiced anywhere, as long as the terrain is relatively flat and not very uneven. Then, it’s all in the posture: your back should be straight, your chest raised and your gaze fixed in front of you. Remember to lock your knees so that your supporting leg remains straight while keeping in mind thatYou should not lift both feet at the same time. Swing your arms in a swinging motion to maintain balance, gain speed, and pace your movement. This technique may seem difficult at first, but after a few sessions, you’ll quickly get the hang of it (or your legs).