Power walking
Encyclopedia
Power walking or speed walking is the act of walking
with a speed at the upper end of the natural range for the walking gait
, typically 7 km/h to 9 km/h (4.5 to 5.5 mph). To qualify as power walking as opposed to jogging or running, at least one foot must be in contact with the ground at all times (see walking
for a formal definition).
Power walking has been increasingly recommended as an alternative to jogging for a low-to-moderate exercise regime
, for instance 60–80% of maximum heart rate
, HRmax. At the upper range walking and jogging
are almost equally efficient, and the walking gait gives significantly less impact to the joints. When used in this way, an exaggerated arm swing is often used.
Power walking/speed walking is often confused with race walking, which has rules to define what counts as walking fast and is also a popular Olympic level event.
Walking
Walking is one of the main gaits of locomotion among legged animals, and is typically slower than running and other gaits. Walking is defined by an 'inverted pendulum' gait in which the body vaults over the stiff limb or limbs with each step...
with a speed at the upper end of the natural range for the walking gait
Gait (human)
Human gait is the way locomotion is achieved using human limbs. Different gaits are characterized by differences in limb movement patterns, overall velocity, forces, kinetic and potential energy cycles, and changes in the contact with the surface .- Foot strike :One variable in different gaits is...
, typically 7 km/h to 9 km/h (4.5 to 5.5 mph). To qualify as power walking as opposed to jogging or running, at least one foot must be in contact with the ground at all times (see walking
Walking
Walking is one of the main gaits of locomotion among legged animals, and is typically slower than running and other gaits. Walking is defined by an 'inverted pendulum' gait in which the body vaults over the stiff limb or limbs with each step...
for a formal definition).
Power walking has been increasingly recommended as an alternative to jogging for a low-to-moderate exercise regime
Exercise intensity
Exercise intensity refers to how much work is being done when exercising. The intensity has an effect on what fuel the body uses and what kind of adaptations the body makes after exercise . Intensity is the amount of physical power, expressed as a percentage of maximum, the body uses in performing...
, for instance 60–80% of maximum heart rate
Heart rate
Heart rate is the number of heartbeats per unit of time, typically expressed as beats per minute . Heart rate can vary as the body's need to absorb oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide changes, such as during exercise or sleep....
, HRmax. At the upper range walking and jogging
Jogging
Jogging is a form of trotting or running at a slow or leisurely pace. The main intention is to increase fitness with less stress on the body than from faster running.-Definition:...
are almost equally efficient, and the walking gait gives significantly less impact to the joints. When used in this way, an exaggerated arm swing is often used.
Power walking/speed walking is often confused with race walking, which has rules to define what counts as walking fast and is also a popular Olympic level event.