5 Ways to Boost Your Walk in 2023

Physical Therapist Margaret Martin explains why walking is not enough exercise for your body and provides tips on how to boost your walk.
-Chapters-
0:00 Introduction
0:31 Walking is Not Enough Exercise
1:53 Tip #1
2:51 Tip #2
3:35 Tip #3
4:18 Tip #4
5:23 Tip #5
8:35 Close
---------------------------------------------------------------
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW for EXERCISE FOR BETTER BONES
---------------------------------------------------------------
bit.ly/2QWC0PL
----------------------------------------------------------------
SUBSCRIBE TO THIS CHANNEL
----------------------------------------------------------------
bit.ly/2ygFcPA
-----------------------------------------
FREE COURSE on OSTEOPOROSIS and EXERCISE
-----------------------------------------
bit.ly/38MzUbG
-----------------------------------------
BOOKS on AMAZON
-----------------------------------------
Exercise for Better Bones - Osteoporosis Exercise Program (Book)
amzn.to/38K37UI
Yoga for Better Bones - Safe Yoga for Individuals with Osteoporosis (Book)
amzn.to/2TZVk0L
Strengthen Your Core (Book)
amzn.to/36xDvc1
-----------------------------------
VIDEO WORKOUTS and TRAINING
-----------------------------------
melioguide.com/products/videos/
-----------------------------------------
FOLLOW MARGARET
-----------------------------------------
Website: melioguide.com
Facebook: / melioguide
Medical Disclaimer
All the information, content, and material presented in this video is for informational purposes only. They are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
Affiliate Disclaimer
The links in this description box are for my products. Some of the links include affiliate links and I receive a small commission when you make a purchase after you click the link.

[@howellwong11]

I'm 89 years of age and use a stationary bike for my exercise. It is good for my heart and legs. i incorporate neck and head exercise with arm exercise. I can also watch TV to make my exercise enjoyable. I stopped walking because I was afraid of stumbling and getting hurt.

[@oldnatty61]

Get light weights. 1/2 lb. Start doing upper body moves w/ the weights as you peddle. Checkout Dr. Leonard Schwartz's book heavy hands.

[@howellwong11]

@@oldnatty61 Yeh, I got weights, but decided not to use them,

[@kathysills3961]

That's awesome! Keep it up!

[@gybx4094]

Wise choice. Falling is the primary cause of elder mortality. A fall will lead to more joint and even internal organ failures. Your stationary bike will work your leg muscles as well as cardio-vascular-respiratory systems.

[@margieharvey4973]

Good job! Just keep moving is my motto. I’m 68 and aspire to be keep moving, like you.

[@Spiritual-journey9]

Great to have someone so professional, qualified and passionate dedicated to the aging seniors. Thank you!

[@tullochgorum6323]

Great advice! Personally I'm increasingly influenced by the MovNat natural movement idea, where the outdoors becomes your gym. This takes your walks to the next level by using the natural features you are passing as resources to work on your strength and mobility. For example my nearest walk takes me past an old Victorian boathouse where there's a narrow rail they used to launch their steamer - ideal for practising balance. Then I walk out onto the pier where there's a mooring ring that's ideal for support while I work on improving my squat position - while a take in the glorious view. There's a secluded grassy path where I can practice crawling movements, lunges, jumps and the like. There are low benches where I can practice easy plyometric jumps and vaults. There's a glorious spot on the river bank where I sit and work on my cross-leg position. There's a kid's play area with almost infinite possibilities... And I'm still discovering new opportunities on every walk I do. So instead of a stuffy and dignified walk, your outing becomes an opportunity to riff and play with movement in a lovely natural environment. This is what the kids are doing as their parents amble along - so why did we forget how to play? This concept of walking helps keep you young at heart. Personally I find that this mindset adds a good deal of fun and value to my walks on days when I can't get to the hills for a more serious outing - and it can be tailored to pretty much any level of fitness and confidence. If you are embarrassed as a more senior person to be seen doing such "childish" things, most walks are almost deserted at dawn or dusk. Personally I don't care a jot - let them think what they like. The older walkers in my area mostly look overweight and stiff and weak - so I don't see much about their way of exercising that I should be seeking to emulate!

[@brendafitch9589]

So glad I discovered your wonderful informative channel. Thank you !

[@vid9191]

Great tips. Thanks, Margaret!

[@FlipMacz]

Thank you so much🌿

[@LSS495]

Thanks, Margaret - another great video with wonderful advice. I’ve been walking backwards through my neighborhood, turning while walking, skipping, and /or doing cha cha steps intermittently. Also incorporate some punches and really move my arms without torquing my back, or do short, quick sprints. Listening to upbeat music makes all the difference sometimes, or I listen to my Bible app, depending upon how I feel. Getting started and getting out there is tough when you’re feeling overworked or stressed, but once I’m out, I’m usually glad I made the effort. I wish I had the time to do it more consistently. Keep up the good work - you do so much for so many!

[@margaretmartinpt]

Hi Lori. Thanks for the update. Glad you like the video and hope you put the techniques to use.

[@galitshomronilevin1504]

I do the same - even dancing in the fields close to my house 🤣

[@anneonimus7204]

Margaret you are a delight ! Clear calm and informative videos with a pleasant approach to improving fitness and strength. As I recover with post viral fatigue from illness, this is just the encouragement I need. Bless you x

[@margaretmartinpt]

Thank you!

[@lizbertawhite67]

Appreciate the tips and encouragement! Thanks!

[@margaretmartinpt]

Hi Liz Happy to help!

[@dianecaird1697]

Thank you so much! I am so happy I found your informative, encouraging and professional videos. I have osteoporosis and am working on accepting this! I am a life long exercise person yet at 65 and with Osteoporosis I need to learn a new routine. Thanks so very much!

[@smiththomson95]

Hello Dear How are you doing?

[@lauralynn4504]

Such beautiful encouragement. Thank you.

[@margaretmartinpt]

Hi Laura. Thanks. Hope you can put these four tips to good use in your walking.

[@pamelaburke9250]

Love your videos! Thanks.

[@lindakautzman7388]

We are so lucky to have free access to this kind of quality info and wake up call for thise living with osteoporosis. Margaret give advice that matter..and is a wake up call.

[@cathyk4755]

Thank you, Margaret! Your videos are so helpful and have really inspired me. I appreciate them so much!

[@margaretmartinpt]

Hi Cathy. Thank you. Great that you find the videos helpful.

[@olinayoung6287]

Very helpful & so important! Getting steps in, speeding up & load bearing … it’s a daily effort & so easy to not. Ug!! But thank you, worth every effort I make 😊 ! Love your videos 🍁🍂❤️

[@margaretmartinpt]

Hi Olina. Thank you very much.

[@msmonet]

Margaret. I'm very interested in Nordic Walking. Could you do a detailed video on how to size, purchase and use walking poles, please? I like your video style very much!

[@margaretmartinpt]

Here is my Nordic Walking playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLtnzfhMjEbEHGKVKUAcJ8Cv2hHIohJwJo

[@tullochgorum6323]

Margaret's list is great resource for conventional Nordic Walking on flat ground. If you want to take the same concept onto steeper ground, check out the PacerPole. Designed by an ergonomist who happens to be a near neighbour of mine, it's by FAR the most rationally designed walking pole out there, and many older mountaineers around the world are devoted fans. This includes me - I never hit the hills without my Pacers. Edit - I also think that it's better for ordinary Nordic Walking than the purpose-designed Nordic poles - come to think of it. The ergonomic handle design means that there's no need for idiotic straps, and that the pressure is directed where it should be, at the base of the hands rather than onto your vulnerable wrists, which were never designed to bear a load from that direction.

[@juliettajima218]

Thank you so much Margaret for your amazing tips and videos, they are so helpful and inspiring 👌

[@margaretmartinpt]

Hi Juliet. Thank you very much. I hope you put the walking tips to good use. Thank you for following my channel.

[@annwright8665]

Love your videos & you. So much awesome information. I’m trying to watch all of them.I’m so glad I found you. Your inspiring and motivating me to try more.

[@margaretmartinpt]

Thank you so much!

[@sherris.2402]

Thanks, Margaret..good advice

[@margaretmartinpt]

Hi Sherri. Happy to help!

[@freddyheynssens1950]

Thank you so much for this good advice. You are encouraging. God bless you richly. Greetings from Toronto Canada

[@suewright1299]

Thanks so very much Margaret, an excellent video with perfect music! Hubby and I walk every day, uphill and downhill and thoroughly enjoy ourselves. However, these extra tips will be a great bonus too. Bless you for your help and advice

[@margaretmartinpt]

Thank you

[@maribelgamoneda1670]

Thank you very much for your videos, I walk at the gym using the treadmill and also I do extra exercises like yoga, a little weight lifting and in addition for my hips I put the machine 60 lbs opening and closing legs. I am 72 years old and I am trying to keep most active as possible. Your videos helped me a lot to increase my bone density, in fact I bought a low intensity vibration plate.

[@kimberlyrooker8552]

Hi Maribel, I am considering a low intensity plate…would you share the brand you purchased with me? I have Osteoporosis in the Lumbar spine.

[@skip123davis]

i ❤️ you sweetie! i really appreciate your advice for folks my age. i'll be 60 on 28 feb, and have been struggling with some of this.

[@ramaramaox]

Thank you,

[@suzir196]

I want to thank you for your lovely videos which bring both new knowledge and colorful , positive cheerfulness to my day. You are so much appreciated! ! :) - Susan

[@serenamylchreest155]

Thank you Margaret! Would it be possible for you to post the text of the tips here too? I took notes but would like to see what I might have missed.

[@gabrielleparis3532]

Fabulous!❤❤❤❤

[@polyxenikoutla134]

Thank you!

[@margaretmartinpt]

You're welcome!

[@LAFamilyLawAttorney]

I think you are simply amazing! ❤️

[@margaretmartinpt]

Thank you.

[@margaretmartinpt]

Tips to make your walking more effective for your bones, heart and the rest of your body.

[@harvdog5669]

Thankyou. Walking is good. Can you do a video on hiking 4 miles a day or 4 miles 3 days a week at 60 or older in rough terrain and good up & down elevations ..Thankyou. Watching all your videos...oh, remember, the healthiest & longest living people in the blue zones live without ever going to a gym or pump iron...I always walk up hill and down hill & stay away from the flat.. I like to do up hill sprint jogs at 20 & thirty 30 feet.. I always carry a back day pack, with fruit, nuts, rice, rolled oats, apples, mandarins, and such... And of course 4 to 6 16.oz bottles of spring water.. There are good 4500 ft elevations & 3400 going on where I go..all dirt trails, some times I follow the deer trails and coyote trails up onto the sides of the surrounding mountains I hike in.. some weeks I go hiking every day.. I do better if I go 3 days a week , because otherwise I push myself pretty hard...Sometimes I put on ankle weights of 2 lb set or a 5 lb set.. what do you think of all this.. And I am a male. Also I never walk in town on asphalt or concrete, only at food 🥑 🥝 store.. otherwise I am always in dirt or sand or dirt & rocks.. city stuff is to hard on back & joints, I stay in dirt..

[@megg5427]

Thank you

[@smiththomson95]

Hello Dear How are you doing?

[@marjon888]

Love your upbeat presentation style

[@margaretmartinpt]

Thanks so much!

[@deborahcoccoli6070]

Hi- I’m wondering if jigging, at about an 11 minute mile has the same benefits as walking briskly?

[@thibod07]

Wow! Amazing video!

[@margaretmartinpt]

Thanks a lot!

[@cucar8363]

Great video and tips. I recently started walking, not a fan but is the only exercise i can do at this time. I challenge myself to the next tree!! LOL...every day a little farther.... next a little faster!

[@lusandamatshingana9947]

Walking is my favourite yhooo thank you for this video .....

[@shirleyw8522]

Great tips! I will implement it to my walk routine.

[@margaretmartinpt]

Hi Shirley. Thank you. Happy to hear that you will be boosting your walking.

[@jeanrichards-carter2522]

Can I use a weighted vest if I have degenerative disc disease?

[@roustabout4fun]

Nice channel...an older trail runner/jogger who is finding that my walk speed is not much slower than my jog speed (climbing and hills) but the key is to keep moving....lol

[@margaretmartinpt]

Yes. Keep moving!

[@dkl4477]

Margaret ❤

[@gybx4094]

I found some old 1980's bamboo cross country ski poles in my basement and I've been walking my trails with them. I even wear light weights on my ankles and wrists for higher exertion. The poles make walking rough terrain safer and they force the arms to get involved. I found a waltz timing works for me, so waltz songs are in my mind when I use poles.

[@margaretmartinpt]

Thank you for sharing. You might want to be careful with the ankle weights while you’re walking. I covered that in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y37dkpimjNycotk

[@hamala7437]

ayyyy luv Margarine, annnnnd Margreeeeeeettta

[@sophieoshaughnessy9469]

I learned from you that I should take 2 walks a day! Thank god I’m not working anymore.

[@sylviagerritsen7975]

I had breast cancer last year, this year I had two stents implanted. I started walking one week after being released from hospital, I walk a mile a day for now, on the second day I walk the same walk but in the opposite direction. This week I have increased my pace. I have now been diagnosed with osteoporosis. I think it’s a great tip to carry a pound during the walk but not sure I’m quite able to at this point but that will be my new aim. Thank you.

[@nancy9478]

Dr. Ken Berry talks about building bone. Vitamin D is so important.

[@adelinagaudio6671]

Hi Margaret, I really valued your video. Do you have an alternative suggestion to Nordic walking that I could do to build on my core while brisk walking? Thanks Adelina

[@yvonne5319]

Terrific suggestions. I will try to slowly add them. I walk 30 min a day

[@margaretmartinpt]

Keep up the good work.

[@nosretep1960]

Use trekking poles, with rubber tips for pavement. I have repurposed used bicycle inner tubes filled with road sand, @3lbea, mule tape loops to hold weights. @8.4mph cardio running equivalent from when my knees could still run.

[@deb9806]

I ordered a hyperwear vest that came with 10 pounds loaded in it. If I take some out, should I make sure it's even, front and back? I wish I could have added them myself. When I weighed vest, it was over 10lbs. I love incorporated hills, thanks for telling us why it's better for us.

[@lj6079]

Yep, agree with walking tall. Have observed myself walking past shop windows, my butt sticks out and front leaning forward.this is how I look '-,

[@sheilamillar9901]

Hi Margaret Do you really need a weight vest? Thanks for the tips Sheila

[@kathyparker7837]

Learning a lot from your videos. Thank you so much. Question: I am thinking of getting a weighted vest. Do you recommend any particular brand?

[@margaretmartinpt]

I recommend the HyperWear. melioguide.com/osteoporosis-exercise-equipment/hypervest-weight-vest/

[@cockamamy]

What is the playlist you're recommending, Margaret? When I clicked on the link you pointed to it opened a video called "warm up video for beginner walking seniors". I thought you were recommending methods and tips to improve our workouts for experienced walkers?

[@donna5659]

Are weighted vest really helpful? Are there studies showing it helps build bone? If so Which vest is best? Thank you. I’ve learned so much from your videos. Thank you

[@smiththomson95]

Hello Donna How are you doing?

[@steveshea6148]

If you want to strengthen your whole torso and shoulders and arms and hands while walking, take a heavy cotton tote on the walk with an appropriate weight in it, challenging but not too much for a mile walk--possibly 10-25 lbs, depending on your stature. This is an exercise called a "Farmer's carry" .Carry it on alternating sides for 100 paces or so each side. Focus on keeping your torso straight at the hips by challenging your body alignment to the RIGHT when carrying on the right, LEFT when caring on the left, because the natural tendency is rest the core by trying to "counterweight" by leaning to the opposite side. . Keeping straight upright chalkenges your core muscles. This exercise will strengthen your grip, forearms, your shoulders, your stabilizing torso muscles, and it will challenge at the level of exertion and cardio output as well. Concentrate on form when doing this. Try it!

[@BethAMcHugh]

Can I use a 1lb. Weighted vest with scoliosis of the spine and pelvis? While walking up hill, I really hurt my groin muscle. It's still painful after 4 months. How can I heal my groin? 😔 I am so grateful for your kindness to help me Margaret.

[@juanitahardy8583]

I am well over 70 and walk 2 to 3 miles in nature at a brisk pace daily in all weather at between 3 and 3.5 mph. I miss maybe 3 days a year due to dangerous weather. It's my adrenalin. I sweat extremely profusely so adding weight would be unbearable and uncomfortable for me. I do upper body weights morning and evening for 25 min sets. I tried the poles and I kept tripping, gave those up. I do walk hills due to our terrain. I really need to work on my posture as in winter I keep my eyes on the ground in front of me due to snow and ice. I vary my speed slightly.

[@teacup3133]

Wow, you sound like you are doing fantastically well. God bless you!

[@carpenterfamily6198]

I find that the Nordic Walking also helps my posture.

[@margaretmartinpt]

That is good news.

[@Gabrielarielle]

Hi Margaret I’m in my 70s and had surgery (Corda. Equina), 3 years ago. Had a fall recently and hurt my coccyx. I walk daily but I find my feet are benumbed and I am stooping forward. When I start walking I feel my legs are very weak but after I’m fine. Also I cannot stand for long. Legs feel like jelly. I live in India.

[@madhuswetta3447]

She is not concerned about 75+age and various internal sickness...

[@galaxymetta5974]

Japanese uses super slow jogging to increase exercise intensity for the elderly. It is a step up from walking. Cheers.

[@lindagrant3232]

Heavyhands (developed by Dr. Leonard Schwartz) is one way to make walking into a great cardio/muscle building exercise. BTW, if people are doing Nordic walking, they really need to work it. I have seen people doing it and most of them do not know how.

[@oldnatty61]

Dr. Leonard Schwartz Heavy Hands. Steve Reeves Power Walking.

[@ruthdennisKnits]

There are no hills in Houston, any suggestions ❓

[@ailienrhijnsburger5178]

Try Nordic Walking! The poles are not for balance, they really help you combine strength training and cardio. It would help if you could find a teacher to help you learn the correct technique to get themost out of the poles. Nordic walking feels great (once you get over looking silly) and really helps your posture too

[@judysporophyte5970]

I read that the bones only respond to increases in weight. I heard that it ist beneficial to shed the weights for a period of time and then resume at a lower weight and start again? Is that accurate? In my case, I'm wearing a weighted Hyperpro vest and ankle weights all day. Should I add extra weight for shorter periods during the day?

[@smiththomson95]

Hello Judy How are you doing?

[@pbl4him]

I have flat feet and over pronate. Walking is painful for me. I do have stabilization shoes that help somewhat. Surgery is out of the question because it has very long recovery times where I wouldn't be able to do anything. Two years for two feet. Rheumatologist recommended walking for osteoporosis and I would love to be able to do so for other medical and health benefits. Any ideas that would help would be much appreciated.

[@jmc8076]

Good videos on YT for pronation. Husb has same and found insoles and physio therapy helped a lot. He also started walking around house barefoot to build muscles. Do some research. Good luck.

[@dorisday5871]

Hi Margaret do you recommend using a rebounder for someone who is 57 and in fairly good shape?

[@margaretmartinpt]

My thoughts on the rebounder. melioguide.com/osteoporosis-exercise-equipment/rebounder-review-build-bone/

[@deidrabay]

Thanks so much for your informative videos! When I walk quickly downhill, I get shin splints. Any suggestions for how to prevent this? Thank you!

[@bigoof1828]

Is climbing stairs same as walking uphill?

[@roustabout4fun]

Hyper vest Elite that your partner was wearing in 2018....is it still working for him? I am researching the best vest for a trail hiker/jogger. Thnx

[@margaretmartinpt]

It is. He uses it during his strength workouts and his aerobic hill climbs (with good form, of course). Here are the details: melioguide.com/osteoporosis-exercise-equipment/hyper-vest-elite/

[@brendafitch9589]

Can you suggest a good weighted vest , please?

[@margaretmartinpt]

Yes. This one: melioguide.com/osteoporosis-exercise-equipment/hypervest-weight-vest/

[@Janeway1269]

Does walking on sandy beaches help bone? Or just muscle?

[@jmc8076]

Muscle. Try skipping on it. Fun YT videos.✌️

[@robinsims3004]

Am I missing something? Is there a playlist? Is it music or more videos?

[@margaretmartinpt]

I provide a playlist at the end of the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIaolnmrntmBodk

[@louisedory7725]

I am 70 walking 6000- 10000 steps per day. Would ankle weights improve my fitness?

[@margaretmartinpt]

Hi Louise. Here are my thoughts on ankle weights and walking: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y37dkpimjNycotk

[@palliathprabhakarharshanna718]

I am 65 years..last somany years,6 ,7.. I am walking 5 to 6 k.m daily

[@jackirobinson7365]

This is helpful. But isn't walking by itself better than doing nothing

[@Taseeer62]

I am diabetic n 60 years old I do walk everyday for one hour any tip that you can give me because I get tired after n sugar level goes down after when I finish my walk...

[@nancy9478]

Low carb has made the difference in my blood sugars. Raising it with carbs only to take a med to lower it makes no sense but docs wont tell you the damage it does to blood vessels. Our liver makes the glucose our bodies need, my doc confirmed this and is fine with me eating low carb. Beat. Diabetes! is a great place to start getting your diabetes under control. Bless you.

[@Taseeer62]

@@nancy9478 thanks for your reply,which low carb food be taken can you guide.meat,bread...

[@shotpusher]

@@Taseeer62 Cut out bread, pasta, rice, sugar. Watch Dr. Sten Ekberg, Dr. Eric Berg, Dr. Jason Fung on KZbin.

[@Taseeer62]

@@shotpusher Yes I have watched Dr Eric Berg video clips on KZbin.

[@garykay7418]

plantar fasciatis is a real detriment to this.

[@jmc8076]

Good YT videos. Search it and BobandBrad. ✌️

[@cassieoz1702]

I'm not avoiding hills, I'm avoiding mud and cattle pug holes and grass tussocks and rocks. There's nowhere on the farm to actually stride out without watching the ground fixedly. Otherwise I'll fall or wreck an ankle

[@Ferofero8]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@veganne6909]

I take a 1 liter bottle of water with me and drink it on my 60-minute walk. This way I have an extra 2.2 pounds of weight and stay well hydrated.

[@mausplan3890]

Margaret , do not forget we boys are watching also .

[@user-bu6xm1pb1s]

This waking tips boys Or girls

[@WWarthog798]

"Nordic walking" = good. "Heavyhands" = better

[@inertia4040]

bad title to video!