Pumping arms while walking???

jessf786

So I am walking/ jogging almost everyday now that it is beautiful out and today when i was at the walk part of my routine i would pump my arms. Like, elbows close to sides and arms bent to 90 degrees and swinging. It did give me more momentum and i felt like i was moving a lot faster. The only reason i did it was because i sometimes see women do this and i figured might be good for you. Haha i did look silly. But does anyone know if it is beneficial to do this? and If so why and how??

GaveUp

That is what I do when I am walking, race walking. It is beneficial because swinging your arms you are getting your heart rate up and burning more calories...

irisannRN

Sure it is ! The more you move, the more calories you are going to burn !

MissAnjy

It burns more calories because you're pumping your arms, gaining speed, and working another body part.

JCubbins

I've heard it makes running easier.

AllyS7

Ha! I do this sort of. I 'flail' my arms and do some punches when I run. My arms start to cramp/throb in my collarbone area, I'm guessing from tightening my shoulders too much when I run, so the random arm movements help loosen them.

I'm sure they help get your heart-rate up a bit too!

CarrieAbbey

you burn more calories for sure, my husband and I have trekking poles and they are awesome. You can totally feel it in your arms and your heart rate goes up too. Don't worry about looking silly, throw a little wiggle in your step then for sure you'll be getting looks. lol :laugh:

Scentlessapprentice

I have weights that I strap to my wrists. (I think they are for your ankles while swimming) But with these on I need to keep my arms moving so i don't get a dead arm... lol

Luthorcrow

The primary reason to move you arms is to maintain balance. Particularly if you are running or speed walking you need to move your arms to keep your balance. Otherwise it adds to the cardo of the exercise. Particularly any motion that is level or above the heart like shadow boxing.

Another exercise that is just as intense and often over looked is jumping rope. You can get the same burn with a lot less stress on your joints.

CherrySunday

I see other walkers doing it too, and it does look pretty silly, but what the heck! I usually don't gear all out for my walks. I just put on my sweats and a hoodie, so I blend in a little more. I don't bend my arms, I just swing them.

hillview2

I wear a HRM and it def increased my heart rate while walking