power walking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Health/Fitness
Quick answer
What does “power walking” mean?
A form of walking performed at a brisk, purposeful pace, faster than a stroll but without running, with emphasis on technique, arm swing, and posture to maximize cardiovascular benefit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A form of walking performed at a brisk, purposeful pace, faster than a stroll but without running, with emphasis on technique, arm swing, and posture to maximize cardiovascular benefit.
The activity or sport of power walking. Can be used metaphorically to describe any brisk, energetic, and purposeful movement or approach.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally common and understood in both varieties. No significant lexical or spelling differences.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes health consciousness, moderate-intensity exercise, and is sometimes seen as less intense than running. Can carry a slightly dated or specific fitness-class connotation.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in lifestyle/fitness media than in everyday casual conversation. The simpler 'brisk walking' is often used interchangeably.
Grammar
How to Use “power walking” in a Sentence
[Subject] + go/does/enjoys + power walking[Subject] + took up + power walkingWe went for + a power walk + in the park.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “power walking” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She power-walks along the seafront every morning before work.
- They've started power-walking to improve their fitness.
American English
- He power-walks the track at the local high school.
- My doctor recommended I start power-walking three times a week.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used. More natural to use 'briskly' or 'at a power-walking pace').
American English
- (Rarely used. More natural to use 'briskly' or 'at a power-walking pace').
adjective
British English
- She joined a power-walking group in the park.
- He bought some proper power-walking trainers.
American English
- They follow a strict power-walking regimen.
- The park has a dedicated power-walking path.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in corporate wellness program descriptions.
Academic
Rare, except in sports science or public health papers discussing moderate exercise modalities.
Everyday
Common in conversations about exercise, health routines, and leisure activities.
Technical
Used in fitness instruction, physiotherapy, and sports coaching to denote a specific aerobic activity with defined technique.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “power walking”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “power walking”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “power walking”
- Misspelling as 'powerwalking' (should be two words or hyphenated: power-walking). Using it as a verb ("I powerwalked" is non-standard; use "I went power walking"). Confusing it with racewalking, which is an Olympic sport with strict rules.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Power walking is a general fitness activity focused on speed and cardiovascular health. Racewalking is a competitive Olympic sport with a strict rule that one foot must always be in contact with the ground and the supporting leg must be straight when vertical.
Good supportive shoes designed for walking are essential. Comfortable athletic clothing is recommended, but no other specialised equipment is required.
Yes. When performed at a brisk pace (e.g., 4-5 mph or 6.5-8 km/h), it provides excellent moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise, helps with weight management, and strengthens lower-body muscles.
In informal contexts, you may hear "to power-walk" (often hyphenated). However, the more standard phrasing is to use it as a noun in phrases like "go power walking" or "do some power walking."
A form of walking performed at a brisk, purposeful pace, faster than a stroll but without running, with emphasis on technique, arm swing, and posture to maximize cardiovascular benefit.
Power walking is usually informal, health/fitness in register.
Power walking: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊə ˌwɔːkɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊər ˌwɔːkɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Put some power in your walk" (an encouragement).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "POWER through your walk" – it's walking with extra power and purpose.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXERCISE IS A JOURNEY (embarking on a power walking routine); HEALTH IS A MACHINE (power walking keeps the machine running efficiently).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key characteristic of 'power walking'?