· Introduces first ever competitive 7 kilometer Power Walk platform for Indians; provides complimentary training and consultation to first time power walkers
· Mumbai and Delhi to host India’s first ever Power Walking event at the Max Bupa Walk For Health 2018
· Bollywood Actor and Youth Icon Rannvijay Singh to flag off India’s first ever Power Walk in Mumbai
· Health experts and fitness gurus come together and endorse the health benefits of Power Walking
Delhi/Mumbai, 29 January, 2018: After inspiring millions of Indians to adopt ‘Walking’ to stay fit and lead healthier, more successful lives over the past 5 years, through its annual Walk for Health initiative, Max Bupa Health Insurance today announced the addition of an all new category –‘Power Walk’, which will be introduced at the 6th edition of its flagship event Max Bupa Walk for Health. This will be India’s first-ever Power Walking event which will see people ‘Power Walk’ for a stretch of 7 kilometers and compete to win cash prizes. Max Bupa will host the first ever Power Walk at the Mumbai edition of its Walk for Health event on 4thFeb. This will be followed by the second Power Walk event at the Max Bupa Walk for Health event in Delhi on 18th Feb.
Power Walking is an internationally acclaimed and scientifically proven form of complete work-out that can be as effective as running and has multiple health benefits. It is an intensive and more evolved form of walking with a speed at the upper end of the natural range for the walking gait, usually between 4.5-7 kmph. Power Walk has a unique technique where one foot must always be touching the ground during the entire walking duration. The added arm movement alone increases energy expenditure over traditional walking by as much as 55 percent. Although the international rules define speed of 7 to 9 km/h, the rules for Indians new to the sport, allow walking at slower speeds in between. The participants can choose to vary their speed according to their walk strategy and capabilities. When compared to running, energy requirements for power walking are about the same as running, but without the pounding of joints associated with running. This makes power walking appealing for anyone trying to lose weight, especially people who are overweight and who may find running too hard on the joints. Power Walking improves overall health - physical strength as well as mental wellbeing, boosts immune functions and supports a longer life.
Since 2012, Indians of all ages and from various walks of life have enthusiastically participated in Max Bupa Walk For Health events held in various cities and found the motivation to walk more for a healthier future. In India, where marathons have become quite common, Max Bupa Walk for Health has established itself as a unique and exclusive ‘walking event’ which offers something new and exciting to the participants each time. Last year, Race Walking – an Olympic sport – was the highlight of Max Bupa Walk For Health and this year, Indians will get introduced to ‘Power Walking’ at the Max Bupa Walk For Health events in Mumbai and Delhi. The company has integrated a ‘7-KM Power Walk’ competition with its Walk for Health initiative, with an aim to create awareness around the transformative impact of Power Walk on one’s health.
The 7 KM, Power Walk competition will be held in various categories including Flame at 20 category, Age 20 to 40 (Male and Female) category and Age 40 to 60 (Male and Female) category. The competition will be monitored by experienced marshals of the Athletic Federation of India (AFI).
On introducing Power Walk to India, Ashish Mehrotra, MD & CEO, Max Bupa said, “At Max Bupa, we are committed to building and popularizing the walk culture in India. Over the past 5 years, we have seen the walk culture in the country develop and evolve with our flagship property, Max Bupa Walk for Health. Last year, we introduced Race Walking and this year, we are bringing ‘Power Walking’ to India for the first time at the Max Bupa Walk for Health. We are glad to see people taking walking more seriously and integrating it into their daily routine. With the 6th edition of Max Bupa Walk for Health, which is all about ‘Power Walking’, we are hopeful that people will not only participate and compete in 7 km Power Walk category but also make it a habit.”
Bollywood actor and one of the fittest youth icons, Rannvijay Singh, who is the face of the 7 kilometer Power Walk being held at the Max Bupa Walk For Health in Mumbai said, “It doesn’t take a lot to stay healthy but people simply lack the motivation to get started and stay committed to their fitness regime. The first and easiest step to good health is walking for just 30 minutes a day. I am particularly excited about the 6th season of Max Bupa Walk for Health since its introducing the concept of ‘Power Walk’ for the first time in India. The 7 kilometer competitive ‘Power Walk’ is going to competitive, challenging and at the same time rewarding for all the participants. I am sure that all spirited Mumbaikars, especially youngsters, will participate and start embracing walking as a sport.”
According to International Zumba® Trainer, Sucheta Pal, “Fitness is turning into a passion for people and they are exploring newer forms and techniques to make their work-out more enjoyable. Power Walking, which is being introduced to India for the first time at the Max Bupa Walk for Health this year, is a great addition to the new-age work-outs as it has its own unique technique, a higher level of difficulty but an equally satisfying health outcome.”