Keeping an eye on your daily step count is an easy way to make sure you're staying active, but with work, family and social commitments it's not always easy to reach 10,000 steps a day. Fortunately, there are plenty of short online workouts that can help you top up your step count.
As a freelancer, I struggle to reach my daily steps goal consistently, so I decided to try this 3,000-step speed walking workout from Rick Bhullar, founder of GetFitWithRick.com. "Perfect for beginners and fitness enthusiasts alike, this walking exercise routine is a great way to burn calories, shed belly fat and get in shape without putting undue strain on your joints," says Bhullar.
"With its upbeat and energetic pace, this walk-to-the-beat workout is guaranteed to leave you feeling happy, energized and ready to tackle whatever the day throws your way. And best of all, you can do it all from the comfort of your own home!" says Bhullar.
I wasn't expecting 20 minutes of speed walking to provide much of a workout—but boy, was I wrong! Here's what else I discovered.
How to do this 3,000-step speed walking workout
What I learned from doing this 3,000-step speed walking workout
Speed walking is a fun way to get fit
Walking 3,000 steps typically takes me around half an hour, but because I was speed walking it only took 20 minutes. Bhullar's infectious energy made the time fly by—there was no clock watching. In this routine, he adds plenty of arm movement, so you're working both your lower and upper body.
My heart rate was through the roof
Because I was constantly moving my arms, especially overhead, my heart rate remained high throughout this workout, which is important for improving cardiovascular health. Bhullar incorporates some energetic boxing moves too, making this an excellent aerobic session while you rack up your daily steps.
Home workouts are not as easy as they seem
There’s a misconception that home workouts are easier than classes or going to the gym. Trust me, there was nothing easy about this 3,000 steps speed walking routine! From the get-go, I was constantly moving and the choreography meant I was engaging my brain to focus and keep up. So not only is it a physical workout, it gives you a mental boost too.
Shop walking shoes
A pair of comfortable sneakers will make this workout feel like a breeze. Here are three options we like, which feature in our round-up of the best walking shoes.
Super soft, comfortable and supportive, these are the best shoes we've tested on Fit&Well.
This comfortable shoe is often less than half the price of its rivals.
The grippy undersole makes these shoes great for both slippery concrete and trail walks.
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