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How to Walk Faster: Your Baseline

By Wendy Bumgardner, About.com

Updated April 12, 2004

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Before you get faster, take some baseline measurements to see how fast you are now and where your heart rate is.

Measured mile: This is a good standard measurement. Use a local track or measure a mile with your car odometer. Time yourself in walking this mile after you have warmed up for 5-10 minutes of walking.

Heart rate:Knowing what heart rate you currently achieve while walking can help you set goals when you speed up. Warm up first by walking for at least 5 minutes. Then take your pulse while continuing to walk. Measuring for 30 seconds to a minute will give you better accuracy. Or, you may use a heart rate monitor.

Next Page: Fast Walking Technique

How to Walk Faster
Prepare
Shoes
Baseline
Technique
Drills & Workouts

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