Walking goals for a beginner?

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  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    DavPul wrote: »
    It's walking. Let's not overthink this. Go for a walk in then go for a longer walk.

    I wouldn't count on getting too much of a stamina increase tho

    Walking can increase stamina......regular daily steps not so much. I'm going to "overthink" this and say these are 2 different things.

    Is your goal added activity (ie: 10,000 steps)....or is your goal added exercise (XX miles per week)?

    For walking to count as exercise (IMO) you will need to walk briskly, swing your arms and challenge yourself (power walking). If you are just adding steps, you can increase your activity level in MFP to something above sedentary.

    I don't have a daily step goal. Instead I wear a FitBit and have an exercise goal. For my exercise goal: I started very small and added more time each week.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    phurst00 wrote: »
    I work from home with a lot of sitting and want to start walking as a way to build my stamina back up so that I can start doing workout classes again. My plan is to take a quick walk every 1-2 hours and drink a glass of water after each one. My question is, what step goal should I set for the day? I'd rather do a step goal than a time (ie must walk 15 minutes each time etc). Once I have a step goal I want to add on each day (I have a pedometer).

    I just have no idea what number to start with - any tips or ideas would be awesome!

    Check out the The 30-Day Walking Challenge. She suggests you start at 2,000 steps if you are an "off-the-couch" walker and 5,000 steps otherwise.

    https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/the-30-day-walking-challenge/

    What is it about fitness walking that makes it more “successful” than other exercise? Part of it is the simplicity. By putting one foot in front of the other, you can not only walk off weight, but also dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, depression, osteoporosis, diabetes, high cholesterol, and help clear artery-clogging plaque … Are you walking yet? You don’t need trendy classes, expensive gyms and crazy fitness gadgets. What you need is a simple routine that you can build on, week by week, to make you stronger and fitter at a pace that you can manage.

    I’ve got the plan for you—no matter what fitness level you are at right now, you can zap calories, up your energy, and start to view fitness walking as a joyful habit! Join me on a 30-day walk challenge to reach 10,000 steps by the end of the month. Day by day during the first week, you’ll start to feel stronger. Over the next couple of weeks, the walks will begin to seem easier. By the end of a month, you’ll not only notice shifts in the way your body feels, but also a difference in your mindset.

    Along with the triumph of meeting the challenge, you’ll have established a daily habit of fitness, which is no doubt the most important result. And exercise will become something that you don’t want to go without. It’s life-changing!

    Leslie_Training-Plans_beginner.png
  • phurst00
    phurst00 Posts: 100 Member
    Thanks for all the tips! I'll probably do the 30 day challenge. Taking quick walks throughout the day has already helped break up the monotony of work and ease my occasional back aches. Hopefully I can get back to my step classes soon!
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    edited July 2015
    I do 1200 steps blocks all throughout the day . 1200 steps = 10 laps around my house.
    My daily step goal is 20,000.
  • ah5564
    ah5564 Posts: 4 Member
    Hmmm - I think I'll start the 30 day challenge; I bought a pedometer, just need to get it set up.

    I hope your walking will help you to meet your fitness goals.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    I started walking in March, which is when I got my fitbit. I was averaging 2,000ish steps a day. Pretty terribly sedentary :flushed:
  • Dianawalking
    Dianawalking Posts: 5 Member
    I have made it my goal to walk outside for 1 hour and 45 minutes each day. I set the "chrono" button on my wonderful and easy to use Timex watch and it keeps track of the minutes that I walk each day. I am thrilled with how well this is working for me. I have lost 4 pounds so far and I am not even counting calories. Thank you Jesus !
  • Dustinsteven22
    Dustinsteven22 Posts: 280 Member
    6,000-10,000 steps seems reasonable. If you are going for stamina, I suggest a timed walk. Here's why: You can track your progress easily, you will push yourself harder, and you can plan your day and workout easier. You will be able to go farther each day in the same time limit. Feel free to add me!

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