Jim Ryno has created a new walking workout routine. 

Walking is the perfect exercise for anyone who wants to get in shape, reduce stress, live a healthy life, and even manage your weight.  You don't need special equipment and you don't need special skills.  You can walk right outside or hop on a treadmill at home or at the gym.   Beginner or advanced, walking is a great physical activity. 

Jim gives you a workout that is motivating, will get you in amazing shape, and progresses with time giving you varying intensities and a customized workout each session.  Mixed with your music, his workout will keep you on-pace every time you head out the door.    Jim's walking routine can be found at Podfitness.com.

 

Hints to make your workout more productive:
A pedometer registers step count, but maximum health benefits also require the right exertion level. Rule of thumb: If you can't catch your breath enough to say hi to a friend, slow down. Able to belt out your favorite song, no problem? You're taking it too easy. Consider these:

  • Increase your pace, not your stride. Taking more steps per minute instead of longer ones not only helps you walk faster (a 12- to 13-minute mile is optimal), it also elevates your heart rate without increasing your risk of injury.
  • Pretend you're on a tightrope. Professional walkers place one foot directly in front of the other, as opposed to taking hip-width strides. Follow suit, and you'll increase your energy output and use more major muscle groups.
  • Work your arms. Bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle and pump them back and forth as you step. This propels you forward faster and burns more calories.
  • Head for the hills! Adding an angle is the surest way to increase the intensity of your walking workout. If you're on a treadmill, use the elevation button.
  • Use weights or walking sticks -- both give a more complete workout. The two dumbbells should weigh less than 10 percent of your body weight. Walking sticks (not to be confused with the kind Granddad may have sported) increase energy expended by 20 percent; you can find a pair at www.nordicwalker.net.

Something to smile about: 

In 60 minutes of walking, you'll burn 300 to 500 additional calories. Keep that up for 10 days and you'll lose a pound. Keep it up for a year and you'll be 35 pounds lighter -- without a minute of dieting.