How does Exerstriding compare to using weights or resistance belts?
Although wrist weights or hand held weights are the most widely used tools used by walkers attempting to "pump up" their walking workouts, the benefits of their use are minimal and the risks associated with their use are significant. While you can increase the energy cost of walking by 5-15% with weights, swinging these weights back and forth puts significant stress on the tendons and ligaments of the shoulder. Most experts agree that the risks far outweigh the benefits. (A note on ankle weights “ they can also increase energy cost by 5-10%, but can alter gait mechanics and put dangerous stress on the ligaments of the knee.)
The use of weighted vests or backpacks to enhance the benefits of walking are also a poor choice. Studies have shown that in order to significantly increase the energy cost of walking, more than 40% of a person's body weight must be carried (60 lbs. for a person weighing 150 lbs.!). In addition to adding stress to the neck and shoulders, the feet, ankles, knees, hips and spine react as though you had suddenly gained 60 lbs. of excess body weight.
Recently' waist belts with attached resistance cords have gained some popularity for enhancing the benefits of walking. While the energy cost data on these devices is impressive (40% to 60% increases), it should be noted that because these devices activate relatively small muscles in the shoulder and chest to lift the arm and stretch the attached resistance cords, these energy increases can be sustained for only very short periods of time (3-5 minutes for most people) before these muscles are worked to exhaustion. During this brief period of exercise these devices do little to strengthen important trunk muscles or contribute to aerobic fitness.
In contrast to these means of pumping up your walk, Exerstriding is much safer and more effective. You'll easily increase the energy cost of walking by nearly 25% without feeling like you're working any harder, and by more than 70% with serious effort. (And these increases can be sustained for 30-60+ minute exercise sessions.) Instead of placing even more stress on lower limbs, Exerstriding actually decreases pain and injury-causing stresses to the hips, knees, ankles and feet by 20%-30%! The repetitive contractions of all the body's major muscles result in significant increases in strength and endurance. Your balance, posture and cardiovascular health will also benefit significantly from Exerstriding.
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