#implus

My bestie saw this and decided that I'm talented so now I'm happy

1. Head for the hills. 

Find a neighborhood with hills. Even adding a 2 percent incline will make you both work harder, which in turn burns more calories. Climbing hills also gets your glutes ready for the beach. Researchers at the University of Georgia found that uphill running activates 9 percent more muscle with each stride, compared with walking at the same intensity on level ground. And unlike regular walking, hill walking will get more oxygen flowing through your body more quickly and help you build more stamina. Unlike running, it does not put a ton of stress on your knees or feet.

Or, use the stairs!

Stairs will sculpt your legs more than a walk. You also will burn calories because more muscles are being used. Use the ones in your home or find bleachers at a nearby school. Vary the way you step for a more challenging workout. For example, take skip a step as if you were performing a lunge by placing the heal on the step first which engages the muscles of your backside - glutes, hamstrings and calves.

3. Improve your fitness with intervals!

During a 20 or 30 minute walk, make it your goal to do 10 intervals. Pick a distance - the next house, or 5 houses down, and power walk! Rest by walking the same distance. Repeat 10 times, and always cool down with a slow paced walk. You are increasing your fitness level just by increasing the speed of your walk!

4. Add a weighted vest!

Add intensity and resistance to your walk with a fully adjustable weight vest. With a weighted vest with flexible weights that move with your body so you can add weight to or remove weight according to your fitness level. Find one that is road-ready with high visibility reflective material for low light conditions and contour pocket for your phone.

Get fit before you get fit

It's a great idea to invest in a pair of supportive shoes designed primarily for walking. Visit your local shoe store for a personalized assessment of your walking footwear. The right shoes can help prevent injury and make walking more enjoyable.

5. Remember to Hydrate! 

Carry a water bottle that is easy to hold in your hand. Be observant to sip often because when you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated which will affect your performance.