{"id":693329,"date":"2026-05-25T10:36:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T10:36:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/693329\/"},"modified":"2026-05-25T10:36:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T10:36:15","slug":"boost-the-calorie-burn-of-your-walks-by-adding-these-three-trainer-recommended-arm-exercises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/693329\/","title":{"rendered":"Boost the calorie burn of your walks by adding these three trainer-recommended arm exercises"},"content":{"rendered":"<p id=\"elk-9ede62e7-edb5-4743-90cc-1cc0dd159cca\">One of the most effective and often overlooked strategies for weight loss is to simply walk more frequently, or farther.<\/p>\n<p>NASM-certified personal trainer Peter Conroy has another idea. The founder of <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thedifferenceapp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.thedifferenceapp.com\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">The Difference App<\/a> suggests adding a variety of arm exercises into your walks to make them more effective.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9ede62e7-edb5-4743-90cc-1cc0dd159cca-2\">\u201cAdding additional exercises to your walks can add a new dimension that is both challenging and fun,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n<p>Latest Videos From<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/7uepuckkxv1645106070.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/7uepuckkxv1645106070.svg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/7uepuckkxv1645106070.svg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/7uepuckkxv1645106070.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/7uepuckkxv1645106070.svg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/7uepuckkxv1645106070.svg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            You may like<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese exercises can also help you reach weight goals more quickly, if you have them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Adding dumbbells, wrist, or ankle weights is not necessary, but can make your walk\u2014and these exercises\u2014even more challenging, strengthen your muscles and further boost your calorie burn.<\/p>\n<p>Conroy recommends a basic rep count of 10. But as you become stronger, he suggests gradually increasing the number of reps in each set from 10 to 20, or even to 30.<\/p>\n<p>He suggests three sets during your walk but feel free to reduce or increase the number of sets, depending on the length of your walk.<\/p>\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">Start your week with achievable workout ideas, health tips and wellbeing advice in your inbox.<\/p>\n<p>Try the arm exercises below during your walk.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-1-arm-circle\"\/>1. Arm circle<\/p>\n<p>Arm Circles &#8211; Exercise You Can Do on a Walk #nasmcpt &#8211; YouTube<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779705373_391_maxresdefault.jpg\" alt=\"Arm Circles - Exercise You Can Do on a Walk #nasmcpt - YouTube\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"watch-on-youtube-s90z1jdWwBQ\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/s90z1jdWwBQ\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/s90z1jdWwBQ\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Watch On <\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2e806c83-7cf2-4ac9-bb56-ab8648cf227c\">Sets: 3 Reps: 10 Rest: 30sec<\/p>\n<p>Muscles worked: Arm circles primarily strengthen your <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Deltoid\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Deltoid\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">deltoids<\/a> (front, side, and rear shoulder muscles).<\/p>\n<p>            What to read next<\/p>\n<p>How to do it:<\/p>\n<p>Start with your hands at your sides, swinging gently in time with your steps.Decide which direction you will rotate, then begin your circles in wide sweeping arcs. Aim to move your arms 360\u00b0 to get as much shoulder rotation as possible.Let your arms move naturally during your rest periods, then repeat, alternating direction with each set.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ea9b41e5-aae1-4065-be25-71336e061698\">\u201cThis is a bodyweight exercise, meaning you use your own physique to provide resistance without additional equipment,\u201d says Conroy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHowever, you can also opt to hold light dumbbells in your hands\u2014or attach weighted wrist cuffs\u2014weighing 1-5lb if you want an additional challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-2-alternating-overhead-reach\"\/>2. Alternating overhead reach<\/p>\n<p>Alternating Overhead Reach &#8211; Exercise You Can Do on a Walk #nasmcpt &#8211; YouTube<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779705374_567_maxresdefault.jpg\" alt=\"Alternating Overhead Reach - Exercise You Can Do on a Walk #nasmcpt - YouTube\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"watch-on-youtube-4W2v3Pesf5k\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/4W2v3Pesf5k\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/4W2v3Pesf5k\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Watch On <\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-84f70d56-02ea-4b81-97a8-349e09a447bd\">Sets: 3 Reps: 5 each side Rest: 30sec<\/p>\n<p>Muscles worked: This exercise strengthens muscles in the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Core_Muscles\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Core_Muscles\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">core <\/a>and trunk, including your <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Internal_Abdominal_Oblique\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Internal_Abdominal_Oblique\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">obliques<\/a>, <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Transversus_Abdominis\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Transversus_Abdominis\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">transverse abdominis<\/a>, and <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Erector_Spinae\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Erector_Spinae\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">erector spinae<\/a>, as well as your deltoids.<\/p>\n<p>It also stretches the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Latissimus_Dorsi_Muscle\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Latissimus_Dorsi_Muscle\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">latissimus dorsi<\/a> (your big back and side muscles), obliques (side waist muscles), and intercostal muscles (the muscles between your ribs).<\/p>\n<p>How to do it:<\/p>\n<p>Start with your hands by your sides, swinging gently to match your pace.Reach one hand up and then slightly over your head while at the same time reaching down the outside of your thigh with the other hand.Alternate sides until your set is complete.Let your arms move naturally during your rest periods.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-eb3bbb95-52de-4967-983b-f9fba240cb98\">Conroy says that this is not only an effective bodyweight exercise, but also an excellent dynamic stretch when you hold your hand at its apex for two to three seconds.<\/p>\n<p>Like the previous exercise, you can increase the difficulty by holding dumbbells or wrist weights.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen this exercise is performed while standing still, the raised hand moves further over the head, and you bend farther at the waist,\u201d says Conroy.<\/p>\n<p>He adds that your range of motion is likely to be smaller when you do this exercise on the go, as it will feel more natural to reduce your reach.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe timing can be a little tricky to match your steps, so watch your balance,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-3-arm-clap-or-swing\"\/>3. Arm clap or swing<\/p>\n<p>Arm Claps or Swings &#8211; Exercise You Can Do on a Walk. #nasmcpt &#8211; YouTube<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1779705375_908_maxresdefault.jpg\" alt=\"Arm Claps or Swings - Exercise You Can Do on a Walk. #nasmcpt - YouTube\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"watch-on-youtube-jEIeMzAUA1c\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/jEIeMzAUA1c\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/jEIeMzAUA1c\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Watch On <\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-676d84da-a593-4a56-b952-4fe8c2f3236f\">Sets: 3 Reps: 10 Rest: 30sec<\/p>\n<p>Muscles worked: This exercise primarily strengthens the front and rear deltoids (shoulders), <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Pectoralis_major\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Pectoralis_major\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">pectoralis major<\/a> (chest), and <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Trapezius\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.physio-pedia.com\/Trapezius\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">trapezius <\/a>(upper back stabilizer).<\/p>\n<p>Like the alternating overhead reach, this exercise also serves as a stretch, targeting the pectorals (chest) and anterior deltoids.<\/p>\n<p>How to do it:<\/p>\n<p>Start with your arms extended straight out from your shoulders, fingers pointed.Open your arms out parallel to the ground and as wide and far behind you as possible.Swing your arms forward and either clap your hands or allow your arms to cross over each other\u2014alternating which arm goes above and which goes below.Let your arms move naturally during your rest periods, then repeat.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d1ec2e1f-351f-459b-b7e1-0657503dc858\">\u201cThis exercise is often a warm-up exercise, but it works just as well during a walk. You can time each swing to match your cadence rhythmically.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>About our expertAbout our expertPeter Conroy<\/p>\n<p>Social Links Navigation<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"button-social   \" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/conroypeter\/%20\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"LINKEDIN\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><\/a><a class=\"button-social   \" href=\"https:\/\/www.thedifferenceapp.com\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"WEBSITE\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Peter Conroy is the founder and CEO of The Difference, a weight-management technology designed to be predictive, intuitive, and affordable. <\/p>\n<p>He holds a certificate in personal training from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and has over a decade of experience in health advocacy and awareness. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"One of the most effective and often overlooked strategies for weight loss is to simply walk more frequently,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":693330,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[64,63,538,137],"class_list":["post-693329","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-fitness","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-fitness","tag-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/693329","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=693329"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/693329\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/693330"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=693329"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=693329"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=693329"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}