Class is in session at Healthier U as we turn our books to the chapter titled the purposeful walk.

According to Mark Fenton, author of “The Complete Guide To Walking For Health, Weight Loss And Fitness,” people can naturally walk at a “purposeful” pace of about 3 miles per hour.  Push yourself a bit more to 4 miles per hour and you’ll burn about 50% more calories during a one-hour walk.

Here are a few tips to get the most payoff from your power walk:

•  Keep your posture tall – shoulders back, chest open, abs gently contracted.

•  Bend your arms at a 90-degree angle and use a quick, compact arm swing.

•  Push off the ground vigorously with your toes at the end of each stride.

•  Work your way up to longer strides and a target of 150 steps per minute.

•  Finally, remember to stretch before, cool down afterwards and stay hydrated!