Walking - am I doing this right?

Trooty
Trooty Posts: 15 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello! :)

I'm rather clueless when it comes to exercise, so please be nice if I sound stupid!

I've started walking in the last couple of weeks; I've picked this as my main form of exercise, because I love it and thus I am much more likely to keep at it.

Results wise I would like to get a bit more toned and firm up my bottom a bit, as it's starting to look a bit sad through lack of use (I have a desk job). With this in mind, and due to the fact I live in a very hilly town, I am making sure to include as much hill work as possible in my walks.

Today's walk was as follows:

Total distance: 5.67 km (3.5 mi)
Moving time: 55:24
Average moving speed: 6.14 km/h (3.8 mi/h)
Max speed: 6.74 km/h (4.2 mi/h) 9:47 min/km
Elevation gain: 371 m (1217 ft)
Max grade: 75 %
Min grade: -15 %

Does what I'm doing seem appropriate for my goals? And how many times a week should I am to complete a walk like this ideally? I was thinking 3-4 but, as I mentioned above, I really have no clue.

In the long run I am also thinking about starting to do some work with weights, and also some circuit training but I need to build up some confidence first.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this! :)

Replies

  • knra_grl
    knra_grl Posts: 1,566 Member
    I generally like to walk a minimum of 3 - 5 miles per day during the week - if I get a walk on the weekends thats a bonus. I do a 3 mile walk in the mornings before work.

    I started walking because I was sedentary for so long on my off time - it's been a couple months and I am gradually adding different things to my exercise plan (I am getting kind of bored with the walking). I don't really consider the terrain I am walking on - the calorie burn is based on the pace you set - unless you are doing hiking trails then I would find the calorie burn for hiking not walking. I understand that lots of hills is more work - I just try to keep my pace fast. My daily walks are my insurance that I get some exercise in on a daily basis since some days life just throws a wrench into my plans.

    I would worry more about just getting into the habit of doing it. You will see results and feel better by just doing it period. Strength training will be totally worth the effort - start with dumb bells or resistance bands now don't wait for the confidence to build it will come just by doing it!
  • Trooty
    Trooty Posts: 15 Member
    I wish I could get into the habit of walking in the morning too, as it is I tend to walk at dusk, which is nice but it would be good to get it done in the mornings sometimes.

    I definitely need to keep the hills in, as I can't walk and walk as fast as I like but I only really get out of breath during the hills, plus I like the way it feels. It makes my bottom and legs ache afterwards, which to me indicates that it is working those muscles.

    I don't think I could ever get fed up of walking though, I love being outside and looking at the view, etc. while I walk, it just makes me feel alive. It's part of my day, just for me, that I really enjoy.

    I've had some advice from another MFP user, and I'm going to start introducing weight work into my routine, but using kettlebells so I can do it at home, rather than face the gym (yet).

    Thanks for your reply! :)

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