In anticipation of summer and shorts and swimwear, it's time to work on muscle tone besides the muscles built by walking. As a bonus, these muscles will burn more calories (even at rest). Toned muscles, even if you are overweight, will enhance the way you look and feel.
How Often
Work in some exercises for your non-walking muscles every other day. This can be done after your walk for just a few extra minutes. Invest in some light dumbbells or elastic bands to add resistance, or just lift some cans tied in a towel (a pint is a pound, a quart is 2 pounds, a gallon is 8 pounds).
Legs
If you are a health walker or fitness walker, your legs are being toned but you may want to engage in some crosstraining that will build the opposing muscle groups in your legs. Bicycle riding, stair climbing, and adding some hills to your walking route will accomplish this. Or, you may want to use some specific exercises.
Lower Body Exercises
Lower Body Blast: works out you quads, hamstrings, and buttocks.
Upper Body
Your arms and upper body don't get much of a workout from walking, although using powerful arms during walking can give you some tone. But it is best to spend an extra few minutes after your walk with light weights to tone your arms.
Upper Body Workout
Abs
Strong abdominal muscles are essential to good walking posture. Sit-ups and crunches can build these muscles.
Abdominals
Next page > Tune-Up Your Walking Goals and Pump Up Your Motivation
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