Workout Intensity?

Bengal2529

I am 5'3 and 181lbs. I started working out a week ago and have lost 2lbs so far. I am using the treadmill 30 mins each day and started with fast walking. After 3 days I was not feeling the burn anymore. I started to run for 30 seconds and then walk a few times to maintain my target heart rate and feel the burn. Am I on the right track? Did not seem like I burned anymore calories by running then the first few days.

tirowow12385

I think so. Try increasing your running time or even download a C25K app so you can train yourself to jog 3.1 miles in a couple of weeks.

goldthistime

You definitely expend more energy running than walking because when you run you push yourself up against gravity.

C25K is not a two week program, it's a 10 week program, and many people tailor it to their fitness level by repeating weeks. I'm a fan.

rheddmobile

You are definitely on the right track! Calorie burns given on a machine are misleading - the only reliable guide is your own rate of loss over time.

I prefer to go hard for a shorter time instead of spending hours at low intensity. If you continue to up your intensity as your fitness improves, you will see real results in your fitness level within a few weeks. Give it a year and you won't even recognize yourself.

TavistockToad

Bengal2529 wrote: »

I am 5'3 and 181lbs. I started working out a week ago and have lost 2lbs so far. I am using the treadmill 30 mins each day and started with fast walking. After 3 days I was not feeling the burn anymore. I started to run for 30 seconds and then walk a few times to maintain my target heart rate and feel the burn. Am I on the right track? Did not seem like I burned anymore calories by running then the first few days.

Do you have a medical reason to watch your heart rate?

If not, I agree with the suggestions to try c25k...

Bengal2529

Thanks everyone! I won't worry so much about the calories showing on the machine. Running made the workout more intense. I didn't understand how I didn't burn more calories. I will look into c25k. I don't have a medical reason for the heart rate. I read somewhere that maintaining a high heart rate while working out was good for health and weight loss. I hope that is a valid tip!

TavistockToad

Bengal2529 wrote: »

Thanks everyone! I won't worry so much about the calories showing on the machine. Running made the workout more intense. I didn't understand how I didn't burn more calories. I will look into c25k. I don't have a medical reason for the heart rate. I read somewhere that maintaining a high heart rate while working out was good for health and weight loss. I hope that is a valid tip!

How are you calculating your 'target heart rate'?

Bengal2529

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How are you calculating your 'target heart rate'?[/quote]

I was going by the machine and how I felt. Is there a better way? Any advice is appreciated! I made sure I was between 140 and into the 150's for 30 mins felt ideal. Anything less felt like I wasnt really working out.

TavistockToad

Bengal2529 wrote: »

I was going by the machine and how I felt. Is there a better way? Any advice is appreciated! I made sure I was between 140 and into the 150's for 30 mins felt ideal. Anything less felt like I wasnt really working out.

I just wouldn't worry about it.

If your goal is to improve your fitness, then work on going longer or faster, if your goal is to improve strength then lift stuff and work on increasing weight.

pcc0001

Try walking the same speed on the treadmill but increase the incline to 5 degrees. The treadmill at my club goes to 15 degree incline. You'll feel the burn then .... if not just go to 15 degree incline and walk the same pace.....you will definitely feel the burn then .

Another machine that will guarantee you a GOOD workout is THE STAIRMASTER. Try it at a slow pace for 5 or 7 min for starters. It hurts in the beginning but it will definitely make you lose weight dramatically.

Ley me know how you progressed.