Strut? Walk? Plod?

Al_Howard

I'm trying to increase my daily step count.
In this process I'm finding that especially on the steeper areas, I'm plodding. Just trying to figure this out. Is it normal, or should I worry about it? I have tried to open/widen my stride in these areas to no avail.
Comments? Suggestions? Commiserations?

Flintwinch

I think that steeper areas require slower walking--plodding, trudging, slogging, lumbering. As I am now, at age 75, officially old, I find that walking in general is more labor intensive, especially as the grade increases. Cycling is my preferred mode of exercise.

Al_Howard

Flintwinch wrote: »

I think that steeper areas require slower walking--plodding, trudging, slogging, lumbering. As I am now, at age 75, officially old, I find that walking in general is more labor intensive, especially as the grade increases. Cycling is my preferred mode of exercise.

Well, I'm 80, and can't cycle, as my left knee can't work like that.
At least you've made me feel better about my issue.

crewahl

I know at 68 that my heart rate is abou 15-20 BPM higher in the uphill, and I know that my pace is somewhat slower. I haven’t timed it, but it’s what I perceive.

I’ll throw a caution out there. I tried to increase my pace a few years ago by consciously lengthening my stride. It increased my pace, but it ended up inflaming my hamstrings. The PT exercised and stretched I do each morning are a direct result of that.

I’ve found that if I do some hamstring stretches right before I go for a walk, my pace is generally faster. (Welcome to Charlie’s Anecdotal School of Science.)

Flintwinch

What I do at the beginning of a walk is to walk at a slow pace for 5 or 10 minutes before picking up the pace to a brisker walk. I do stretches every day to stay limber.

whathapnd

Al, I'm wondering if you have either a mechanical issue that isn't allowing your body to propel you forward on steeper terrain (hip, back or knee issues, perhaps) or lack of musculature that isn't allowing you to "climb." Is it painful to try to walk uphill with a normal gait or simply impossible from a strength standpoint.

I'm no expert, but due to arthritis, I can tell you that I had both problems. I'm confident that the pain from the arthritis caused compensations in my gait that severely weakened my lower extremity muscles.

I would consider if there are other areas if your life impacted by this and consider seeing a doc.

misterhub

I think you're fine. There is nothing wrong with taking a slower walk up a hill. However, as suggested, if you feel other areas of your life are affected in some way, see your doctor. But, if it is just walking up hills, I think you're fine.

cakeman21k

over the last 3 or 4 years I have become much more of a plodder, moving ever more slowly, there is not just 1 reason for this unless you want to call it aging!