Does walking the dog keep you fit?

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  • klkateri
    klkateri Posts: 432 Member
    My dog and i walk as often as we can and anywhere between 1 to 3 miles depending on our route through the neighborhood. I've tried upping him to running but he can't pace himself and I end up carrying him back. And since he weighs what I've lost it's an interesting reminder why I lost the weight lol!! I can't say that it's helped me to lose weight but I can't say it hasn't either. I just figure the movement is good for both of us!
  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    edited February 2016
    It'll burn extra calories compared to not walking.

    After doing it for a bit it will no longer be a workout to your body - no longer requiring improvement to do the activity.

    It will become maintenance mode level of activity. Which may be just fine.

    But - if you lose weight while doing it, unless you speed up the pace to compensate for moving around less weight - you will actually loose fitness because it's even less effort on your body to accomplish it.
    So carry more weight.

    Unless you start speed walking and including good hills - walking reaches a point it's not longer asking for improvements.

    walking 4 mph for me hits about 90 HR and is great for warmup and cooldown to an actual workout that pushes the system. But that's for about 5 minutes - any more than that and I feel like I'm taking valuable time away from a better workout.
  • Rocknut53
    Rocknut53 Posts: 1,794 Member
    Yes, I alternate just walking the dog, 2-3 miles, with hiking with the dog, same distances but with a 1200' elevation gain. Walking is good for both of you. Not everyone can run so walking a lot is a good substitute. Walking with a heavy pack, also good.
  • Wheelhouse15
    Wheelhouse15 Posts: 5,575 Member
    edited February 2016
    BrianSharpe wrote: »
    pondee629 wrote: »
    How Many Calories Did I Burn?

    Walking, 3.0 mph, mod. pace, walking dog

    How Long: Minutes 60

    Calories burned: 285

    Looks like 3 miles to burn about 285.

    Only if you weighed 316 lbs........walking is great exercise but in terms of calories burned its about 30 calories per mile for every 100lbs you weigh (assuming a reasonably level terrain......hiking is different)



    source: runnersworld.com/weight-loss/how-many-calories-are-you-really-burning


    True, that's net vs gross calories and most people don't understand the difference. Rough terrain will add a bit too the total but unless it's a good hike it probably won't be significant.

    However, walking is a good exercise and can really help you lose weight with low impact on the body.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    edited February 2016
    Lindaselina wrote: »
    Well thats better than sitting watching telly. Only do I get to eat the extra points I earn?

    there are no bonus points for being less or more than a couch potato.
  • fitdaisygrrl
    fitdaisygrrl Posts: 139 Member
    Yes, absolutely! I lost my baby weight in 2012 by watching my calories and walking every day. Lost 35 lbs. Walking is great exercise.
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