The Scoop on Indoor Walking Workouts
I often talk about the need to have plenty of walking options at your disposal. It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut if you’re doing the same walk every day—and when you’re stuck in a rut, you’re more likely to give up. You need to be able to change up your walk to keep things fresh and fun—which is why I recommend having plenty of backup plans. That means knowing a number of great trails or paths for walking outdoors. It means having a list of malls or indoor tracks or a trusty walking pad for walking indoors. And it means having a few indoor walking workout options when you want something completely different.
When you’re looking for a way to change up your walking routine, you may not think about pulling up YouTube on your living room TV. But indoor walking workouts can be a great way to get those extra steps when you’re short on time or unable to leave the house—or you just need to spice up your routine.
If you’re new to indoor walking workouts, here are some things that might surprise you:
1) They’re not just for old people
When you picture someone doing an “indoor walking workout,” you might not picture someone young and spry and buff. And, admittedly, in my searches for good walking workouts, I’ve found a whole lot of videos advertising that they’re “for seniors” or “for women over 50.” But walking workouts aren’t just for tired old people who need a little bit of easy movement. You can find intermediate and advanced workouts—and you can find some that will give you a full 10,000 steps before your workout is over.
At the same time, though…
2) They’re good for all levels
You can find walk-at-home videos for people of all ages and fitness levels. You’ll find some that will be easy for beginners. You’ll also find some that will leave you feeling like you just ran a marathon. There are 15-minute workouts and 90-minute workouts. There really is something for everyone. You just need to do a little bit of searching.
3) They’re not just walking in place
When you hear things like “walk at home” or “indoor walking workout,” you may think that it’s just a bunch of walking—maybe walking laps around your kitchen island (which I’ve definitely done in a pinch, when I needed a few extra steps at the end of the day) or (ugh!) just walking in place for a half hour. But indoor walking workouts aren’t as monotonous as you might expect. In fact, they’re closer to classic aerobics classics than you might think. While you’ll definitely walk in place at some points during the workout, most workouts incorporate different steps—from side steps to kicks to the classic line-dancing grapevine—to keep things interesting. Some instructors will offer picture-in-picture videos of your next step, while others will talk you through the moves—but I don’t know that I’ve ever found a video (other than walking pad workouts) that didn’t change up the moves.
4) They’re still low-impact
Walking is a great, low-impact workout—and these walking workouts are no different! From time to time, you may find one that offers more high-impact options (like jumping or jogging in place), but that’s totally optional. No matter what, you’ll get a great workout without impacting your joints.
5) They work your whole body with different movements
When you walk outside, you might pump your arms. Maybe you wear wrist weights to get a little extra workout. But indoor most walking workouts will give you a more complete workout. The steps will have you punching and pressing to work your arms. You’ll be twisting and lunging to work your core and your glutes. Some might even recommend picking up some small dumbbells (or you can get an extra workout by adding wrist or ankle weights
6) They work up a good sweat
While you’re stepping and kicking and punching, you might be surprised by how hot and sweaty and tired you’ll become. It really is a good workout—so be sure to keep some water handy. You’ll need it!
7) They’re fun
Okay…not every walking workout is fun. I’ve run into some bland instructors and others who are so intense that I couldn’t keep up with the steps. I’ve found plenty with canned music and others with no music at all. But, in general, these workouts can be so much fun! Once you find an instructor or a soundtrack that you love, you’ll find yourself smiling through your walk. You might just end up with a little extra spring in your step while you work out.
8) There’s something for everyone
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve run into all kinds of indoor walking workouts. I definitely have my own preferences: upbeat music, easy steps that aren’t too repetitive, motivational instructors. But maybe you want more complicated choreography or a specific kind of music (or none at all) or an instructor who’s seen and not heard. Maybe you want a 10-minute workout or to get in a full 10,000 steps. Whatever you prefer, it’s out there.
9) They’re convenient
You don’t need to go to the gym. You don’t need a lot of space. You don’t even need a ton of time. All you really need is enough room to walk in place (though a little extra space around you is good for walking up and back and side to side) and your phone. They’re perfect for those days when it’s too cold or rainy to get outside…or when you don’t have time to drive to a trail…or when you’re home with a sick kid. You can get a good workout in without having to leave the house.
Whether you’re looking for a new way to spice up your walking routine or just a way to get your steps when you can’t leave the house, indoor walking workouts are fun, flexible options to to add to your walking portfolio. If you want a few suggestions to get you started, check out my workout reviews and keep an eye out for my upcoming post highlighting some of my favorites.
Have you tried an indoor walking workout before? Do you have any favorites?
