Doing the gym and walking every day

CatAMcC

HI

Just wondering if many people do this and do this find if helps or hinders?

I know all exercise is good exercise but started walking again in evenings as after gym my legs seem to be itching for a good walk/stretch.

Im keen to walk up Slieve Donard mountain (Northern Ireland) and as I used to be a good wee walker doing this in evenings too.

Just wondered if maybe too much or I should then up my calories as currently at 1400.

Any advice be fab!

JoRocka

walking is fine- if you like doing so- then do so.

there is a point where walking is just not going to get you the results you want- but it's a great way to get started on your journey- if you are starting to hit the gym... then the walking will be a great supplement and probably be great for your head space.

Go for it. If you feel like you are stalling a little- maybe do some jogging intervals in there if you you want to up the intensity.

But walking in and of itself is fine and a lot of people do it because they just like it not even because of the health benefits. I still go for walks with my BF and his dog... and trust me- walking does almost nothing for me in the work out department- it's just nice to get out and clear my head.

CatAMcC

Yea i go to gym 6 days week 60-80 mins mostly cardio with 15/20 mins using weights but as evenings lighter going for 1-2 hour walks also.

Just wondered if should up calories to allow for this.

JoRocka

I personally wouldn't. I don't consider walking really "exercise" the only time I add it in is if I'm at like an amusement park all day- in which case I'll just add 2 hours. (Even though I'm usually there for like 6)...

I just don't count walking as exercise unless it's a ruck march.

Cyclingbonnie

Walking is a great low impact exercise, granted it won't give you the calorie burn of more intense workouts, but it is a workout none the less. As far as should you increase your calorie intake, I eat back a portion of my exercise calories ... I try to be careful about not confusing need with want, hunger with desire. It is hard sometimes to get the balance, but if I've worked out hard and I'm craving something, I stop analyze the craving and try to determine if it is my body needing food, or my mind needing a reward.

Don't let anyone convince you that walking isn't exercise, it is just a lower intensity. It is definitely better than not moving during that time. Walk, enjoy, and your walking area sounds lovely.

JoRocka

I should have clarified...

I **personally** do not count nor view my walking as exercise.

It IS in some regards- but for me- it's not something I count unless I'm doing it for hours on end- or doing in the form of a ruck.

vienna_h

Walking is low intensity, very low. No one is gonna be super fit just by walking, it's like the bare minimum. I have a dog and live in an apartment, so I'm always out walking him. I would never count it, personally. A challenging all-day hike is different though.

I wouldn't eat more calories to make up for walking.

CatAMcC

When im out walking an hour plus its hard walking at a fast pace. Just noticed feeling hungrier in the last 2 weeks since taken this up. its not a dander to shops. Its 4 plus miles at a hard going pace.

JoRocka

When im out walking an hour plus its hard walking at a fast pace. Just noticed feeling hungrier in the last 2 weeks since taken this up. its not a dander to shops. Its 4 plus miles at a hard going pace.

so if you consider it exercise- then count it as such- not sure why you asked a question if you were going to just do that in the first place??

CatAMcC

My question was asking people who did gym and walking how they found it. Some people only do gym and others walk and track calories. I was doing bits of both and only wanted to see what others thought.

Thought that was what these forums were for................

SteveJWatson

I never count walking about either - I walk in the country plenty, I am a farmer. I have my activity level set to lightly active to incorporate it.


I did once try to log a days beating and was mildly amused at the ammount of calories MFP estimated for walking for that length of time (5hrs) was in the thousands of cals iirc.

waipepe

I walk the dogs for 2.5 hours a day and I don't count it as exercise.

Patrick0321

I would say the biggest benefit you get from walking after the gym is giving yourself a proper cool down. After doing a long run at the gym I can't then just stop, I have to walk around/stretch.

Pookylou

I have my activity set to lightly active to cover the walking I do everyday with my dog, usually about an 1/1 and a half each day. If we go for a big hike then I log it. If you have your activity level set to sedentary then I would log the walking, but upping your activity levels in your settings would be better IMO. I weight lift, with a little HIIT, 3x a week too, and do a little yoga/stretching also, but the dog always has to get walked :laugh:

knucklesammie

before it got too hot, i was walking every day after the gym! i loved it. it definitely helped lean my legs out a bit to supplement it to my daily gym routine. for about two weeks i was taking a pre-workout fat burner (cellucor super hd i think is the name) and took my heart rate monitor along on a walk and i burned 350 calories in a half hour! i am sure the fat burner was responsible, but i was really impressed for walking. i stopped walking for now bc my dog can't take the heat, but it was def great for my legs. i say do it if you enjoy it! can't hurt, definitely do it in conjunction to something else if you are looking for serious weight loss!

CatAMcC

I would say the biggest benefit you get from walking after the gym is giving yourself a proper cool down. After doing a long run at the gym I can't then just stop, I have to walk around/stretch.

Yea i feel like that. My legs while sore just seem to be begging for a good walk to stretch it out.

CatAMcC

Going to keep at it. Had good loss this week. That and the extra water im drinking must be the key the last few weeks.

Thanks for all help. Just wondered how others got on.