And in case you need further proof that the walking exercise trend is gaining ground, boutique fitness studios SLT in New York, digital platforms resembling pelotonand luxury gyms resembling Equinox all now offer treadmill classes dedicated to this activity.
Since walking is so familiar to most individuals, it will be easy to assume that there’s not much room for individualization on this area of interest. But after contacting trainers from various fitness brands now offering walking workouts, it’s clear that no two classes are the identical.
What to expect from a walking group
Each treadmill walking workout will probably be unique, so it’s value reading the outline of the classes you propose to attend. But one thing all of them appear to have in common is an emphasis on high-intensity, low-impact training (aka HILIT).
“The emphasis is on providing low-impact cardio that gets your heart rate up and your muscles toned,” she says Pamela Trujillo, CPT, instructor at SLT. “The HIIT Walk class at SLT Tread will consist of 25 minutes of strength training on the Megaformer and 25 minutes of cardio on the Woodway treadmill. Our walking classes are designed the identical as our running classes, aside from walking.” Think: intervals with different speeds, inclines, and distances.
At Equinox, you may expect plenty of exercise within the hills. “Precision Walk: Elevate is a climbing workout focused on using the inclines of the treadmill to create a low-impact alternative to running,” he says Taylor Spearnakfitness group manager and instructor at Equinox in New York.
While Equinox and SLT offer in-person classes, Peloton provides a web-based walking training option. Peloton instructor Kirsten Ferguson says the platform offers 4 various kinds of walking-related content: fun, music-based walks (“for the member who likes to maneuver in certain genres of music with some difficult surprises throughout the workout”), Power Walk (“for the walker who likes pick up the pace while keeping each feet on the bottom”), mountain climbing (“which I feel surprises most members with how difficult they could be”) and walk + run (“perfect progression for walkers who need to dip their toes into running. The ratio of labor to rest is 1:1, which suggests that whatever the length of the interval you do while walking, you may also do the identical run.”).
Comparing treadmill walking workouts to outdoor walking
The health advantages of treadmill walking are the identical as with every variety of walking: it improves cardiorespiratory fitness, builds muscle strength and endurance, reduces the chance of chronic disease, and increases energy levels.
The additional advantage of stepping on a treadmill is you can add more variation to your workout, which is great for individuals who get bored easily when doing cardio. “With such creativity, you may control the incline and speed,” says Spearnak.
Treadmill training also offers the next level of predictability and safety. Environmental aspects resembling air quality and weather conditions are usually not a priority, and indoor activities provide a secure place to run or walk. “For a lot of our members [the class] finally allowed them to go for a run or a walk at night or at times once they would normally not be comfortable outside alone,” says Spearnak. “You’re never alone – that is the fantastic thing about group fitness.”
Get probably the most out of your treadmill walking workout
Because you do not move as fast as in case you were running, treadmill walking workouts are sometimes considered easier. But that is a misconception. Your Perceived Effort Index (RPE) should still be high during pushes.
“Even though it is a minor impact, these inclines combined with brisk walking can really get your heart rate up and make you sweat,” says Trujillo. And remember proper walking form: “Stand up straight, chill out your shoulders, engage your core, and use your arms for strength as a substitute of holding on to the railing,” adds Trujillo. “On inclines, lean your body forward out of your ankles to your waist so you mostly have a straight line from head to heels, which is able to keep you away out of your lower back.”
In addition to form and energy expenditure, Ferguson says there are two other things to consider – one technical and one mental: “Come with comfortable shoes and an open heart to see where this journey can take you,” he says.
