Walking

[kdibattista]

Who has had success with walking being your primary exercise? I am going to Curves 3x's a week but have also been walking 5 miles 2 - 3 x's a week and just wanted to know what results you have seen?

Thanks!!

 

[tlgoblue]

My Doctor told me to start walking 20 mins. a day. Doesn't matter how fast or how far. "Just get off yor butt and do it outside of your house." (Which is why I don't like to do Fitness tapes. As a SAHM, there are too many distractions at home, and something "more important" always needs to get done.)
I had no immediate success, as far as weight loss or any obvious physical benefit. However, I felt more mental clarity, my family began walking with me, my heart arrythmia got better, blood pressure lower, and panic attacks few and very far between. Now, I walk about 2 miles a day, brisk pace, with some jogging, and do conditioning execises at the Y and yoga at home. (I CAN do the yoga tapes, because yoga requires so much concentration, that I don't see the dishes in the sink, or the laundry needing to be folded, etc.)
Sounds like you have an excellent routine, and you should see great results! Good for you!

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

 

[glo]

Walking at a brisk pace like 4 mph will help greatly. It is a cardio exercise and because it utilizes the large lower body muscles, helps to burn more calories. It also helps tone your legs, and has tons of medical benefits. I walk anywhere between 2-5 miles a day at 4mph. I think it has helped greatly...I am off my BP meds...that in itself is a great thing

 

[lmhall2000]

I really need to put a before/after picture up of the first 100 pounds I lost- I don't have many before pictures- I think I tore them all up in high school- I was very thin in 9th grade- then my parents went through a mid-life crisis (Thank goodness they pushed on and just celebrated their 40th anniversary) and I turned to food- in 10th grade I had gained 80 pounds! My first year in college I lost it all in 9 months- I walked minimum of 4 miles a day and sometimes up to 10- if I had to go to the bank! (I had no car so walking was it)- but my waist and hips were so trim- everyone in high school couldn't believe it was me! Neither could I really- I did have some saggy skin- but actually after about 9 more months it really toned up quite a bit. I think walking more times a week- maybe 5x 3 miles helps keep your metabolism high- you might try to vary that up and tell us if you can tell a difference. I make Thursdays and Sundays my "rest days" and I walk the other five. But actually you've got me excited thinking of my thin college days (and since dh just came home not feeling well- but well enough to watch the kiddies) I may go hit the sidewalks! Just keep it up! 5 miles is a long stretch- how long does it take you to walk it? For fat burning I would say aim for a 15 minute mile- I'm on about a 17 minute mile right now- but as the weigh comes off I hope it'll get less.
Great job!!!
Tara

 

[glo]

I walk at about a 14- 15 minute mile. I think for fat burning that is optimal...BUT, anything that gets one out and moving is awesome! Better than sitting on the couch at home

 

[believe]

The times I have lost weight my main exercise was walking. I just because weights in January to firm more and lose the last 5 lbs.

 

[rbuzzotta]

I walked last summer into fall and then stopped due to the weather. I felt MUCH better while walking. My legs were toning up and I had more energy.

DH just bought a treadmill and once I figure out how to work it, I plan to walk. Once this weather breaks, I plan to walk the lake in town which is 3.3 miles...........and beautiful..........

 

[nativetxn]

I use an elliptical trainer. I do walk the dog one mile once or twice a day. It's stop and start but it's movement. It actually helps me lose a little quicker, I think.

Katholyn

 

[kdibattista]

It takes me between an hour and 10 minutes and an hour and 20 minutes to do the 5 miles.... I think it's actually 5 1/4.

 

[TigH]

Kim, you must be tearing up the sidewalk! Do you change your shoes frequently? That's how I know I've been doing my fair share of walking - the soles on my shoes wear our faster than they used to!

I love to walk and should probably increase the distance that I walk. Maybe I need to add a 1 or 2 mile walk to my routine and do that in the morning in addition to the power walk at night!

 

[lmhall2000]

Kim!
I think if you keep that pace up you'll see a WORLD of difference in your "walking parts!" That's a pretty good clip you're walking at and for that duration giving your heart a steady workout- drink lots of water that day and a nice hot bath I love that feeling after a good walk where my thighs are burning it feels like the excess baggage on my rear is burning right off! Keep it up and keep sharing your success with exercise- it's really motivating!!
Tara