Sports walking is known to us in the Olympic Games: this sport is included in the list of disciplines of track and field athletics, but stands apart from the race types: in this case, it is necessary to keep the contact of the earth and feet constantly. Women compete at a distance of 20 km, and men - 20 and 50 km, in case the competition is held outside the stadium. If the competitions are held at the stadium or in the room, the distances are less, since walking on a hard surface, unlike walking on the ground, gives a strong load on the joints of the lower extremities.
Walking: technique
Many people consider ordinary walking not intense enough and prefer to use athletic walking for weight loss. In order to try, you need to remember the necessary conditions for correct execution:
- it is necessary to quickly attack the ground, not stopping the contact of the feet with the ground for a second;
- the leg that is in front must necessarily be straight for the entire period from the first step along the ground to the end of the entire vertical line;
- while you need to move as quickly as possible;
- The hands must be bent at the elbows and perform characteristic movements.
This technique is very complicated, so athletes are often disqualified for violations. Watch for the correctness of the performance, so that what you do is really a walking sport!
How to breathe correctly when walking?
We all know how important breathing plays in sports. In this case, breathing is necessary rhythmically, deeply, getting into the stroke of movement. Most importantly, even when you feel a considerable fatigue, do not go on breathing with your mouth, it will only take more of your strength.
Running or walking is the question
Which is better - running or walking, it's hard to answer unequivocally. Both these kinds of athletics disciplines heavily burden the joints of the legs, train the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, endurance and excellently relieve fat deposits in the abdomen, thighs and buttocks (and if you actively include hands, then hands too).
Of course, this comparison is about fast walking, as walking is very easy, and to achieve results in the same slimming area, you need to walk at least two to three hours in a row.
It is best for each person to try each of the options and choose for himself the one that seems most comfortable. Some people do not like to run and are ready to go faster at a faster pace than to run; Others, on the contrary, like to develop rapid speed during the run. Any aerobic load is an excellent help to the body in strengthening health, muscle and endurance, which means that whatever you choose - the benefit of it will be in any case.
How to choose sneakers for walking?
It is very important to choose the right shoes so that she can protect your joints.
If you are walking in a park or forest on a natural ground, then the depreciation can be average, but if you walk on the asphalt (which is not too good for the joints) - then you should take care that the shock absorbers in the sneakers are at altitude.
The main thing - sneakers should be comfortable, your size, it's good to sit on your leg and be light and comfortable. Only in this case you can not only train, but also enjoy the process itself.