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When you hear “Barry’s” you probably think about ripped 20-somethings emerging from the class drenched in sweat. While the boutique fitness studio does have its fair share of hardcore exercises (which I learned firsthand), it also has an emphasis on cardio conditioning and building strength that is a smart training approach for people of all ages and abilities — walkers included.
If you’re looking to add strategic exercises to your routine, Barry’s CEO Joey Gonzalez put together this simple, but effective, strength-training routine for walkers.
“There are a variety of exercises included here that help with balance, core and lower-body strength — all important components to developing endurance for a strong and safe walk,” Gonzalez tells TODAY.com. “These exercises will strengthen the muscles around your shin to help you avoid splints, as well as strengthen almost every muscle in your lower body to develop a more powerful and faster walk.”
Strength-training routine for walkers
Balance beam walk
Benefits: This exercise helps with core stabilization and helps improve balance.
How-to: Take one slow step forward and make contact with the front foot, heel to the back foot toe. You can do this with eyes open, arms up or next to a wall for assistance. If you want to make it more challenging, close your eyes.
Walk on heels
Benefits: Strengthens the muscles on the front of lower shin.
How-to: Take a slow step with the right foot, make contact first with the heel. Then step into the left foot, bring it forward, making contact into the heel.
Walk on toes
Benefits: Strengthens muscles on the back of the calf.
How-to: Step up onto a toe point. Step forward with the right foot staying on your toe. Step forward with the left foot staying on your toe.
Toe lift
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