I gotta tell you, I’ve been wogging in Missoula, MT and it’s quickly becoming my new favorite thing. I never really understood it, you know. My Dad used to talk about it, and when we would go walking, he would start moving his arms and legs ultra-fast. It was like a jog but it kind of looked a little bit too silly at the time for me. You know what I mean?
“Just pick one – can we walk or jog?” I would say.
And I would see people outside, wogging away, but I always sort of felt like it wasn’t a real exercise, like jogging, ya know? But let me tell you, after giving it a try, I’m a firm believer in the many benefits of wogging.
For those of you who don’t know, wogging is a unique form of exercise that involves a specific type of walking. It’s not just a leisurely stroll, and it’s not jogging, either. Wogging is a fast-paced walk, with exaggerated arm movements and a sway in the hips.
Put another way – it’s basically like you’re jogging but you’re walking.
It’s a full-body workout that not only improves cardiovascular health but also tones and strengthens the entire body.
So how do you become a wogger?
It’s simple, really. Start by finding a flat, even surface, and start walking at a brisk pace. Then, add in the exaggerated arm movements and hip sway, and you’re wogging! It’s that easy.
Or, you can almost start jogging but you keep it at a walk. In other words, one foot is always on the ground.
Wogging Benefits
Wogging is a low-impact exercise, making it an excellent option for people of all ages and fitness levels, especially those with joint pain or other physical limitations. It’s also a great cardiovascular workout, with studies showing that wogging can raise your heart rate to levels comparable to jogging. That’s right, you can get your heart rate up without putting unnecessary strain on your joints!
In addition to improving heart health, wogging also helps tone and strengthen your entire body. The exaggerated arm movements work your upper body, while the hip sway engages your core and lower body. It’s a full-body workout that’s fun and easy to do.
Wogging burns more calories than either activity alone. According to one study, wogging burns up to 35% more calories than running or walking alone. Additionally, by alternating between the two movements, your muscles get an effective workout without putting too much strain on joints like knees or ankles which can happen when doing only one type of exercise for an extended period of time.
Woggers report that they feel less fatigued after a workout compared to runners or walkers who do only one activity at a time. This is because the alternating movements give your body a break from the monotony of an exercise routine and keeps your mind engaged in the workout instead of feeling bored or fatigued from doing just one activity over and over again.
This means you can go longer during your work out without feeling exhausted! Additionally, because you are alternating between two different speeds while wogging, you are able to go further distances in shorter amounts of times – perfect for those busy people who need to squeeze in as much fitness as possible into their day!
Another benefit of wogging is that it helps build stronger bones due to its high impact nature combined with the low impact nature of walking. This helps reduce bone loss associated with aging which makes wogging great for seniors who want to stay active but don’t want (or aren’t able) to do high impact exercises like running or jumping jacks anymore. Lastly, doing both activities together helps increase cardiovascular endurance which leads to increased energy levels throughout the day!
Do People Actually Compete As Professional Woggers?
Yes! Believe it or not there are actually professional competitions dedicated solely to racewalking/joggling (as well as other forms of race-walking). Some races even have prize money for the winners! So if you think you have what it takes then try out some local wogger races – who knows maybe you could be the next professional wogger champion!
Mall-wogging
Well, most of you won’t become professional woggers. But, I might see you at the mall!
Why the mall, early in the morning? Well, for starters, the mall provides a safe and controlled environment for exercise. It’s a flat, even surface that’s well-lit and temperature-controlled, making it ideal for people who may have physical limitations or be more susceptible to falls.
Wogging in the mall also provides a social aspect to exercise. It’s a chance to meet new people, chat with friends, and be part of a supportive community. And let’s not forget, it’s a great way to start the day! Early morning wogging in the mall provides an energy boost and sets the tone for a productive and positive day.
Conclusion
All in all, wogging is a great way to get fit and stay healthy while having fun at the same time! It offers more benefits than regular running or walking and best part is that anyone can do it – no matter their age or fitness level. So grab a pair of sneakers next time you head outside and give it a try.
Once you get into it, you will never walk or jog again.
John Michaels is a local Missoula author who graduated from Brown University in creative writing. In between raising kids, he spends his time meandering around downtown Missoula, writing screenplays, playing chess, and writing blogs for Sunflower Counseling, MT.