Is Walking useless?

[EsmeraldaX]

I was so proud of myself because this weekend, I walked 1 mile each day with my dog. I figured, it would be good, and that walking a mile a few days a week would be a good thing.

So I was telling a friend of mine, and he told me that walking is useless for weight loss unless you are actually almost running or are able to do the mile in about 15 minutes.

It takes me about 45 minutes to do the mile.

Is this true? I've asked a few others I know and about 1/2 of them agreed with him and 1/2 didn't.

What do you think?

 

[bekkiz]

Excercise is never "useless." Walking that mile was good for your bones and the muscles in your legs plus it got you outside and you should feel great about that (I have the hardest time getiing outside )

However, you need to get your heart rate up to have an effect on weight loss. I'm not sure about minutes/mile or what ever, but if it gets your heart rate up, it'll help with weightloss.

 

[helenk]

When I first started my weight loss program all I did was walk, I would walk 20 minutes at lunch and then 45 minutes in the evening. Most health experts say that a brisk 30 to 45 minute walk is one of the best forms of exercise.
When I started I went about a mile and a half in 45 minutes, now I can do 2 miles in 40 minutes. I am short so it takes me longer than some people, but I do go a nice brisk pace.
From May until the end of September I was able to lose 25 pounds, just watching what I ate and walking.
Walking is great exercise!

 

[tmfranlk]

I think what you are doing is great. My doctor just recently told me that walking is great for my weight loss plans. She said that 1hr minimum per day is necessary for weight loss. It can be in a 1hr block or in segments of at least 15 min. As far as the pace, just do what is "brisk" for you. A leisurly stroll is better than nothing, but exerting yourself in your own way will help more. I would say there is no required "mile time," just something that pushes you a little more than ususal.

Good luck and keep up the great work!
Tia

 

[clarabelle]

I don't agree with him. I have a friend with a PHD in exercise physiology and he says- it is distance not speed that makes the difference.
If I understand correctly you can jog a mile or walk a mile and burn almost the same amount or calories. Just with jogging you would finish sooner! And have better cardiovascular health and conditioning.
I did not believe him when he first told me this!

Look at this:
http://walking.about.com/cs/howtoloseweight/a/howcalburn.htm

Here is a quote from another article:

Weight Loss and Running


With exercise, it is a matter of burning off calories to lose weight. Whether walking or running, fast or slow, the average person will lose approximately 100 calories for every mile walked or run. Some sources state 93 calories for a 100 pound person. The speed that you walk or run does not make any difference. As each pound is equal to 3600 calories, you need to cover 35-36 miles to lose one pound. So even if you walk a marathon, you will not lose a total of one pound

Click here for the whole article:
http://pages.ivillage.com/sgsamson/weightloss.html

 

[CheapMom]

Getting that heart rate up and sustaining that rate will really boost weight loss- BUT taking a stroll DOES burn more calories than watching TV so no it is not useless even for weight loss.

 

[Samandmom]

When I lost 50lbs about 6yrs ago, I would walk every morning and was melting away. It took me aprox 4 months to loose 50lbs. This time weight is coming off much slower I have lost almost 20lbs in 5 months. So I agree that walking helps. I want to start to walk as much as did the last time in hopes I will melt again.

 

[FreshTressa]

Also, we don't know your weight or physical condition. A lot of people have to start out really slow if they have been inactive for a long time, and ANY walking is good for them!

And every move you make burns more calories than if you were sitting. You probably burned about 50 calories. Since it takes 3,500 calorie defecit to lose a pound, it would take A LOT of slow walks to burn off a pound. So, you are unlikely to see much difference in your weight from the slower walk you are taking, but you will build up stamina and you should try to increase your pace over time.

Anyway, good for you for starting to MOVE!!!

 

[newholiday]

Walking is the one exercise that I can stay I have stuck with for a long time - I enjoy it.
Gets me outside, I can see the neighbors, socialize with friends, think things through in my own head, etc.
Im currently 121lbs. This has been the 1 form of exercise that got off my 44lbs. I have a total gym 1000 here but after a few wks stop using it. Walking I can go around and around and around that "gerbil track". I do venture outside the neighborhood occasionally too.
Doc told me the other day to keep getting some weight bearing exercise. Told him I mostly walk. They said thats good and to keep it up. He knows Im only 121lbs so there isnt much weight there.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Thanks all for the info. That article was great!

I'm around 130 which I know is not a lot but I really should be between 115-120 because I am only about 5'3.

I really enjoy walking, esp. with my dog so I'm glad to know it is still good excercise even if it's not burning off calories as fast as some other excercises would.

Thank you all.