Most walkers like to see their walking stats like the exact distance they have covered. They also want real-time data on step count and calories burned.
To properly measure this data during a walk, there are several solutions:
- Mobile apps:
Some walking apps use the pedometer principle to count the number of steps and estimate the walking distance. They are relatively less accurate than GPS-based apps. - Connected watches:
The new connected watches are equipped with essential equipment for a walker such as the pedometer, the speed sensor, the accelerometer, the heart rate monitor, the GPS, the altimeter, or even the barometer.
They can therefore provide you with useful information such as distance traveled, speed or heart rate. They also record the number of steps and calories burned.
- Pedometers:
A pedometer is a walking aid that is basically used to measure the number of steps taken by a person in real time.
Some sophisticated models incorporate a heart rate monitor and can therefore provide interesting information on heart rate and calories burned while walking.
How to equip yourself for fitness walking?
Fitness walking cannot be improvised and requires the right equipment, whether you are walking long or short distances.
good shoes
To cover long distances on foot, you obviously need good shoes for fitness walking.
They must be flexible with good stability and excellent support. The support and comfort of the feet is of course fundamental for practicing walking.
- Top fitness walking shoes for women
- Top fitness walking shoes for men
- good socks
For fitness walking, it is worth investing in sports socks. It is not recommended to wear cotton socks for this type of walking. Technical socks are more comfortable than cotton, whose main drawback is to retain perspiration, thus causing the risk of blisters.
walking pants
For power walking pants, it is essential that they are made of sweat-wicking fabric. Above all, you should not wear denim pants for fitness walking.
- Top walking pants for women
- Top walking pants for men
- A top for fitness walking
For walking, it is best to choose short sleeves and fabrics that allow perspiration to escape. It is important that the shoulders are well protected.
Swimsuits with sweat-wicking material are recommended for walkers who tend to sweat easily. Polypropylene jerseys are ideal for fitness walking.
layers of clothes
For power walking, it is best to wear thin layers of clothing that you can take off when it is too hot to avoid sweating.
You have plenty of time to put clothes back on when the weather gets cold while you walk. A few coats are enough. Avoid wearing too many clothes. Walking is generally successful in warming up the body.
The backpack
The backpack that accompanies you for fitness walking must be light and compact. It is not necessary to carry too many objects when you engage in power walking.
An ultra light bag with pockets will not be awkward and you will be comfortable to practice your activity. Avoid packing too many water bottles and unnecessary accessories that will only delay you.
Prioritize lightness
To facilitate performance during fitness walking, it is important to avoid overloading as much as possible. It is therefore not recommended to wear ankle or hand weights.
These accessories are not compatible with this type of activity. You just need to assess speed and distance versus weight. Heavy shoes and clothes that absorb water will complicate your activity.
Walking is enough in itself to improve your physical condition. If you want to burn calories, just walk faster and cover longer distances. Walking with weights can tire you out unnecessarily.
