Walking Fast - Softcover

Iknoian, Therese

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0880116617 ISBN 13: 9780880116619

Publisher: Human Kinetics, 1998

Synopsis

Are you an avid walker looking to take the activity to the next level? Perhaps you're a runner who wants to find a way to end aching joints and muscles without giving up great, heart-pounding workouts. Or, maybe you're a cross-trainer in search of a new, low-impact workout that will burn calories and improve your fitness level.

If you're serious about fitness and seeking a better way to workout, then Walking Fast is for you. This complete guide provides all the building blocks to get started on a fast walking program, and it contains easy-to-apply science that accomplished walkers can use to reach a new level of performance. Inside, you'll find

- self-tests to help you evaluate your walking technique and goals;
- 18 illustrated walking exercises designed to help you master the three-phase walking technique and eliminate trouble spots in your walking movement;
- 29 walking workouts in five categories: easy, long, anaerobic threshold, aerobic capacity, and anaerobic capacity; and
- sample programs for three levels of walkers.

Walking Fast also contains an entire chapter devoted to racing, with information applicable to fast walkers just beginning to race as well as those looking for serious race walking competitions. Plus, a helpful appendix provides a list of race walking resources and tips about how to plug into the race walking network.

Take the next step toward reaching your walking goals and get Walking Fast.

About this title

Review

Many exercise enthusiasts have thrashed their knee joints by running endless miles on concrete roads. Many of those exercisers either quit or turn to cycling, but a small number take up fitness walking or even race walking. Therese Iknoian, a nationally ranked race walker and fitness journalist, starts Walking Fast with the assumption that only people interested in her sport will pick the book up, so she's not trying to "sell" the sport. Iknoian discusses race-walking technique (you have to understand terms such as heel strike, toe lift, and pushoff) and clears up any misconceptions you may have about what a race walker's hips are doing in midstride. (Someone who has seen race walking only in the Olympics might assume that the hips are sashaying from left to right, like Marilyn Monroe's, when in fact it's a far more complex up-and-back motion that is best realized by imagining that your legs are an extension of your waist rather than your hips.) The benefits of learning the technique? Race walking is great exercise without much impact on your joints (there's never a point when both feet are off the ground, as in running). People who try the sport swear it's a blast, and there's a surprisingly large network of fellow walkers with whom to connect.

From the Publisher

"At last, a fun, informative guide that bridges the gap between basic fitness walking and serious competition. Comprehensive, sensible information for those wishing to get involved in racing, as well as those who want to achieve their fitness goals by dabbling in competition."

Maryanne Torrellas Former U.S. racewalking team member 6-time national champion and former American record holder

"A wonderful book for people who want to increase their walking intensity, fitness level, and performance. In easy to understand language, Therese provides the technique, training and resources you will need to take your walking program to the next level."

Kathie Davis Executive Director, IDEA

"The best comprehensive guide to race walking for everyone, beginning fitness walkers to competitors, that I have seen. Should help everyone learn about and benefit from this great exercise routine, that until now has been available only to competitive athletes."

Martin Rudow I.A.A.F. certified race walk judge Former coach, men’s U.S. racewalking team

Edition details

• Publisher: Human Kinetics
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0880116617
• ISBN 13: 9780880116619
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 200