Shifting focus from 10,000 steps daily, a walking specialist advocates a straightforward approach with greater health benefits.
Boost Your Fitness with Joanna Hall's WalkActive Method
Meet Joanna Hall, a walking, fitness, and wellbeing expert with over 30 years of experience in the field. Hall is the founder of the WalkActive method, a scientifically-backed approach designed to improve walking technique for better health and fitness[1][2][3].
The WalkActive method is not just about walking more, but walking better. It focuses on coaching people to walk more effectively, thereby enhancing posture, reducing injury risk, and boosting fitness[1][2][3].
To perform a paced walk according to Joanna Hall, aim for a brisk pace with about 100 to 130 steps per minute. Reaching around 125 steps per minute provides physical benefits equivalent to a light jog but without joint impact[5]. This pace should raise your heart rate and speed up your breathing to a moderate aerobic level.
Walking briskly after meals can also help regulate blood sugar levels by reducing the spike that occurs post-eating[5]. Walking at this optimal pace, combined with improved biomechanics, creates a low-impact, body-friendly walking exercise that promotes long-term health and fitness[1][2][3][5].
Consistency is more important than reaching a high step count, and Hall advises doing paced walks in addition to your daily step count goal, not in place of[6]. Lowering the step count goal can still provide health benefits.
Deals on favorite tried-and-tested walking shoes are available in a separate resource, while Joanna Hall's guide to the best walking shoes can be found elsewhere[7].
Joanna Hall holds a master's degree in sports science from Loughborough University and was a sports medicine intern at Virginia Mason Sports Medicine Clinic in Seattle[8]. Hall's expertise is further demonstrated through her work in developing the WalkActive method and training certified trainers, such as Jo Saxton[4].
In conclusion, the WalkActive method offers a practical and effective way to improve your fitness and wellbeing through walking, making it a valuable resource for those looking to boost their health and activity levels.
[1] Joanna Hall's WalkActive Method [2] The Science of Walking [3] WalkActive Method: Improve Your Gait [4] Jo Saxton: WalkActive Certified Trainer [5] WalkActive Method: Health Benefits [6] WalkActive Method: Frequently Asked Questions [7] Deals on Walking Shoes [8] Virginia Mason Sports Medicine Clinic
- Joanna Hall's scientifically-backed WalkActive method, focusing on fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness, and nutrition, aims to improve walking technique for better cardio, posture, and reduced injury risk, promoting a healthy-diet and long-term health.
- Adhering to the paced walk technique according to Joanna Hall, emphasized in the WalkActive method, involves a brisk walk with an optimum step count of 100 to 130 steps per minute, boosting fitness level and facilitating health benefits equivalent to a light jog.
- Enhancing the fitness aspect further, the WalkActive method suggests performing paced walks consistently, adding to your daily step count goal rather than replacing it, ensuring consistent improvements in health-and-wellness and overall fitness-and-exercise.
