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Miriam E. Nelson, Ph.D Responds:
Though you may see a lot of people walking with hand weights, it's not a good idea. Hand or leg weights can throw off your gait, increasing the risk of injury to your joints. Even light weights can affect your balance and increase your chances of tripping or falling. Holding these small dumbbells can also strain your neck and shoulders and make it difficult to maintain natural arm movement and posture. For all the risks, there are few benefits.
If you're looking for ways to increase the intensity of your workout, walk at a slightly faster pace or include some hills on your route. Consider using a heart-rate monitor or timing yourself to accurately measure the intensity of your walking workout. This will give you an objective way to increase your pace if you need a greater challenge. Save the weights for their greatest payback--a separate strength-training workout.
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Miriam E. Nelson
Ph.D
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