Race Walking Emerges as the Next Big Cardio Trend: Fast Walking for Optimal Fitness Français

Cision Canada

20-05-2025

MIAMI, May 20, 2025 /CNW/ -- Regular walking is universally celebrated as a great way to keep moving, but often it doesn't elevate the heart rate sufficiently for serious cardiovascular benefits. Enter Race Walking—an Olympic Track & Field event since 1904—that combines intense cardio benefits of running without the joint-pounding impacts.
"Race Walking provides all the health benefits of running but significantly reduces wear and tear on your joints," says Jeremy Goldstein, founder of Fastwalker.com. "You're achieving rigorous cardio exercise while strengthening your hips and knees, which positions you for excellent long-term health."
Unlike a leisurely stroll, Race Walking involves dynamic, purposeful movements designed to elevate your heart rate rapidly. Utilizing vigorous arm swings, hip rotation for increased stride length, and strong calf pushes to propel forward, Race Walkers engage their entire body in ways most traditional exercises cannot match.
"When done correctly, you're getting a total body workout," adds Goldstein. "The arms, core, hips, and legs are all activated extensively."
While Race Walking's dramatic physical movements might look amusing—famously portrayed in the Chris Paul State Farm commercial—Olympians who achieve a mile pace as swift as 5 minutes and 31 seconds clearly demonstrate that this is no laughing matter. Goldstein emphasizes, "It's a remarkable feat, combining incredible speed with minimal joint impact."
Those hesitant to fully adopt Race Walking's precise techniques and official rules can still incorporate its fundamental concepts into their walking routines for enhanced benefits. Fastwalker.com features instructional videos by renowned Race Walking coach and World Athletics Gold Level Judge Jeff Salvage, helping newcomers learn essential techniques.
Goldstein himself integrated these techniques, successfully completing the marathon segment of a grueling 140.6-mile Ironman event. "Using Race Walking methods, I see my heart rate elevated, and I'm achieving the best fitness levels of my life," Goldstein shares. "Anyone can master these techniques and comfortably achieve an 11-minute mile walking pace, preparing them for virtually any competitive event."
Yet, Goldstein advises cautious progression: "Race Walking is more challenging than it appears, rapidly raising your heart rate. Beginners should first familiarize themselves with the proper form before increasing speed or distance."