Better than exercise: 3 tricks make walking totally effective

Walking also strengthens the immune system, aids digestion, and improves mood. If you want to do something extra for your fitness, the following three tips will help.

This change is probably the simplest, yet incredibly effective: Change your walking speed every now and then. Walking faster not only burns more calories, but also boosts your metabolism.

Goose-stepping isn't necessary. It's enough to increase your speed for a few minutes and then slow down again.

Tip: If you 're listening to music while walking, you can simply increase the tempo for the duration of one song and then walk more comfortably for the next. This can help you consciously increase your pace every now and then.

At first, it might feel a bit strange to suddenly walk backward in the park. But turning your back on the direction you're walking from time to time has numerous positive effects.

Researchers have discovered that walking backward can improve balance and mobility in both children and adults with stroke . Older people who regularly walk backward are less likely to fall. Walking backward regularly also improves normal gait because it improves coordination.

It's best to try this exercise first with a training partner to avoid falling. Alternatively, you can practice walking backwards by looking back over your shoulder at the beginning. This exercise is guaranteed to be fun and, on top of that, it'll get you fit.

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