12-26-10, 12:53 AM | |
VF Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Illinois
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IMO, if a hand weight is heavy enough to do much, it's also heavy enough to cause elbow and/or shoulder problems. Better would be wearing a weighted vest (which distributes weight in a more natural fashion, over larger muscle groups) or some kind of resistance bands or belt (that can be released if you get fatigued or feel like you're overdoing).
For arm toning, I'd suggest doing a short upper-body weight workout right after a walk.
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Kathryn ^. .^ > ^ < 2010 season speed-walking 5K PR: 35:47 2011 season race-walking 5K PR: 34:42 |
12-26-10, 03:26 AM | |
Join Date: May 2010
Location: PA
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I don't think 1 lbs weights would do damage when used while walking. The little added weight would probably benefit of burning a little bit more calories as you'd carry extra weight?
I've never used weights while walking outdoors but Leslie Sansone has a few walks where she uses weights (up to 3 lbs).
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~*Val*~ "Change what you can. Accept what you can't. Live peacefully with all that's left." |
12-26-10, 07:11 AM | |
Join Date: Apr 2006
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I've read that walking with weights is not a good idea as it strains your tendons and ligaments and causes joint problems. But I don't have any official studies that I can refer you to and I think opinion varies on this.
Sophia, is the term you're looking for compression? |
12-26-10, 07:27 AM | |
VF Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2001
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From what I've read, studies have shown that holding very light weights while walking does not add much to caloric burn and that holding heavier weights (i.e. 3 or 5 pounds) poses too much risk of injury to offset any calorie-burning benefit.
I used to like the old Firm walking tapes, where you would walk and do various upper body exercises with light weights simultaneously. It does feel like you work harder when the upper and lower body are both working, but there isn't much benefit from it. It's safer and more effective to use heavier weights for upper body strength training and keep the weight work separate from the cardio. |
12-26-10, 07:44 AM | |
VF Supporter
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Colorado Springs
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I notice that when I carry light weights and move my arms around, I have a higher heartbeat than if I don't carry them. I don't think there's any harm in carrying light weights. People walk while carrying things all the time.
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"The two most powerful warriors are patience and time." Leo Tolstoy |
12-26-10, 08:14 AM | ||
VF Supporter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: New Jersey
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Quote:
Leslie |
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Tags |
walking, walking with weights, weighted gloves, weighted vest, weighted walking |
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