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- $Unique_ID{BRK01031}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Do You Endorse Power Walking for Your Patients?}
- $Subject{exercise walking weights Musculoskeletal power walk brisk exercises
- exercising}
- $Volume{M-23}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Do You Endorse Power Walking for Your Patients?
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- QUESTION: I know you advocate exercise for many things, but do you endorse
- power walking for your patients? I want to start a program that is the most
- effective, and my partner tells me this is the way to go. Do you agree?
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- ANSWER: Many "walkers" carry weights to enhance their exercise programs, and
- "power walking" is just another variation. Power walkers, however, do more
- than just carry hand weights, but wear weights attached to hips or chest.
- Increasing the weights pound by pound, they may carry as much as 10 percent of
- their body weight along on their walks to increase the work load. It is still
- a controversial technique, as many experts feel that all the benefits that can
- be obtained from walking can be achieved without any additional baggage.
- There is some advice you might consider though. Your walking program should
- be one that has a regular schedule, if you are to realize your objectives.
- Your walk should be a brisk one, sufficient to increase your pulse rate to
- desired levels. Don't try to push too hard in the beginning, for overuse
- injuries are just as frequent in new walkers as they are to serious runners.
- And one last safety tip. The greatest risk a walker faces is getting hit by a
- car. Dress up with bright clothing for a sunlit walk, and use reflective
- belts and patches at night. And avoid those potholes, or you may take trip
- that was not in your plans.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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