I’ve noticed that a leisure walk (a speed that allows you to gander at scenery while walking) on a flat level surface such as paved trails allows you to walk faster with a slower HR (heart rate) because it doesn’t “require” a lot of muscle engagement.

But in the same scenario, as I practice more core engagement I notice the HR is higher and it’s not as easy to gander at scenery. A leisure walk doesn’t necessarily require so much engagement. It all depends on the purpose of the walk.

It’s very similar on a hiking trail with hills, steps, twists and turns. Except, you really must engage proper musculature lest you end up over using dominant musculature that is already an issue. Therefore, I slow it down if I am wanting to spend more time looking at scenery.

I don’t always need to slow it down though. Many times the idea of hiking for exercise while mentally working on muscle engagement is still fabulous while nature surrounds you. If something interesting comes up, I slow down to enjoy.

Today I practiced this at Bertrand Park. I’ve not been there in many years and they have a separate tail for walkers to remain free of the skiers.

The first round (about one mile) I took my time. Gandered around a bit while walking slower. But because of the uneven snow it was a must to be aware of my muscle engagement, I was beginning to feel my lateral right hip muscles turning on a little too much and when that happens they lock up for a couple days and I must work at releasing them.

But the second time around I chose to focus on much more muscle engagement and speed AND keeping my mouth closed and breathing through my nose only. That worked until I got to the steps up a large hill. Then I had to mouth breathe a bit.

It was quite exhilarating. I always feels so good after being outside. Today it about 16 degrees! But the sun was shining!