Anatomy of a Walk

What happens to your body with each step

0:00 – 5:59

Your heart rate revs from about 70 to 100 beats per minute (bpm), warming muscles.  Stiffness subsides as joints release lubricating fluid.  Your body burns an average of 5 calories per minute, compared with only 1 per minute at rest.

6:00 – 10:59

Your Heartbeat Increases to about 140 bpm, and you burn an average of 6 calories per minute.  A rise in blood pressure is countered by the release of chemicals that expand blood vessels, bringing more blood to working muscles.

11:00 – 20:59 

Your blood vessels Expand to release heat, and you start perspiring.  Levels of hormones such as epinephrine and glucagon rise to release fuel to muscles.

21:00 – 45:59

Your Body Releases tension, thanks to a dose of endorphins, insulin, which helps store fat, drops as you burn more fat.

46:00 – 60:00

Your Muscles May Feel Fatigued as carb stores are reduced.  Your heat rate and breathing slow, but calorie burn will remain elevated for up to 1 hour.

Source: Prevention – Big Book of Walking Workouts, Rodale Publishing