Stupid Question

jennmoore3

Now, you may think I am nuts, but I am going to ask anyways. Now, at work we only get so much time for lunch. and at home, if things are crazy then I only walk on the treadmil for a few minutes. So, my real question is....

If I walk 10 min here and 5 min there through out the day, does it really help things? Like last night, I was interrupted and only got in 10 min of walking. Then tonight the kids have track, and I may only get in the 10 min I walked at lunch (around my department) and maybe another 10-15 at home. Is it worth it? So, is short 5-10 min walks better than nothing or should I just walk when I can do a longer stretch, like 30 min?

fishermanwife

I think it would help especially if every couple days you could get a good 30-60 min workout in, ive been losing by staying close or under my calories and trying to workout a couple times a week but somedays all the kids let me get is 20min on the statinary bike, good luck

Onesnap

Yes. You should aim for 1/2 hour total walking each and every single day. 10 minutes here and there is what is recommended if you live a busy life. Every little bit counts!

Sierrasmommy

every little bit helps but on the days where you can actually manage it i would just do longer workout sessions as time allows. Definitely still add in your smaller portions that you are currently doing and like teh lady above said, staying on top of your calories is vital too!

lesliefoste

Yes. You should aim for 1/2 hour total walking each and every single day. 10 minutes here and there is what is recommended if you live a busy life. Every little bit counts!

I agree. I've read articles that say studies show that even 5 or 10 minutes at a time is better than nothing.

Some exercise = better than no exercise.

NikkiLee227

Every little bit helps! Also, you could maximize those ten minutes by adding dumbbells or increasing the resistance or speed on the treadmill.

Hope that helps!

Niceven

Walmart has a step counter that calculates distance and calories based on your age, weight, and sex. It's an excellent tool for someone in your position. If I remember correctly, it was about $8 so for such a helpful tool, it's pretty inexpensive. Now is it 100% accurate? Probably not, in fact mostly likely not, but it gives you a base line. An idea really, to get you started or to keep you motivated.

This is just an idea, considering you're busy. I'm by no means an expert. Just annoyingly well-read. Plus I've tried almost everything (excluding diet pills, fad diets, and starvation. I still have common sense to know those don't work out in the long run. Kudos to anyone that it worked for, you are part of the miniscule percentage that is the exception.)

Jvdm920

If you're looking to loose weight, the faster you get your heart pumping is what matters. Walking fast for 10 minutes is better than walking slowly for 20.

mursey

I think every little bit helps. If you can only do 5 or 10 mins at a time it won't make the pounds FLY off but it's always better than nothing and it will accumulate over time.

I used to only exercise when I had 2-3 hours free.. . plenty of time to do anything and still shower, etc. Later I snapped out of that thinking and I fit in whatever I can. Walk a few more blocks before I get on the bus. . . if I know I'm going out to meet friends, sometimes I jog around the block while I wait for my laundry to dry .. jog back, check it. . jog around some more . . even if it's only 20 mins. That's one item of food I made up for, or a glass of wine (it was a Friday!)

You have a good attitude to try to fit things in anywhere you can. Stairs vs escalators, etc.

MyNameIsNotBob

Every bit helps. I've read that 10-minute bursts are good as long as you're getting out of breath / heart rate up for that whole time.

sewsimplykate

I live a busy life. And some days are better then others!! But curently i've been useing these workout videos http://www.the10minutesolution.com/ And so far i love them! I ussualy do 1 session in the morning then try to get in another 2 sessions during the afternoon while my 2 yr old naps! And at least 2-3 times a week i try to do 30mins(or 3 sessions). But i do at least two 10min workouts 6 days a week depending on my schedule.

jennmoore3

.o.k I thought so. I usually get in more on a daily basis, but for the days that the kids have track meets or other stuff, I was just wondering if I am wasting my time. Good to know! Thanks for the great information and very fast responses!

I love this site!

ANeWcRe8N

10 mins here and there through out the day is good as long as you get some exercise in. When I first started this lifestyle change thats how i was getting my exercise in plus eating right and I still lost a good enough amount of weight. Im a SAHM but there are days where Im so busy and its hard to get a workout without being interrupted by the lil ones lol. You can do it!!! :happy:

skinnyme125

if you can get 10 minutes right after you eat this will help to spead up your digestion and get your matabolism jump started. So even if you only get 10min after lunch and ten minutes after supper that is wonderful. Just enough to get your heart beat up just a little to start burning those calories. Good job on working with what you have and making it count.

MooseWizard

Might look into HIIT (high intensity interval training) which is supposed to pack a powerful workout into a short time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-intensity_interval_training

slyder432

Can you walk around the track with the kids are at pratice? Maybe walk the outside of the track. That way you will not have to leave and u get your exercise.

Sarahr73

You should do something for 30 minutes everyday. Does it matter if it's 10 minutes in the morning, 10 at lucnh, and 10 at dinnertime? No.

Here's an article from Webmd that has some ideas on what you can do in 10-20 minutes for a good burn. It even has some ideas for at work.

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/10-minutes-to-burn-calories

jennmoore3

I think every little bit helps. If you can only do 5 or 10 mins at a time it won't make the pounds FLY off but it's always better than nothing and it will accumulate over time.

I used to only exercise when I had 2-3 hours free.. . plenty of time to do anything and still shower, etc. Later I snapped out of that thinking and I fit in whatever I can. Walk a few more blocks before I get on the bus. . . if I know I'm going out to meet friends, sometimes I jog around the block while I wait for my laundry to dry .. jog back, check it. . jog around some more . . even if it's only 20 mins. That's one item of food I made up for, or a glass of wine (it was a Friday!)

You have a good attitude to try to fit things in anywhere you can. Stairs vs escalators, etc.

Thanks so much! Yes I do do that as well. park farther away from the store, as long as it is not raining. LOL Considering my only exercise was from my job, I think I am doing better than I ever thought! I work in surgery and am on my feet for many hours and some days I do get my heart rate up. one day last week we did 12 Surgeries from 7:30 am to 11:50 am. We were moving and sweating to get them all done before the doctor had to go to his office at noon.

EDesq

YES! Actually that IS what exercise is all about. The "Exercise Routine" has been incorporated into our daily lives because we, as a culture do not get ENOUGH exercise/activity or someone wants to work on specific body parts/goals. Activity/Exercise IS Movement and it Most definitely does NOT have to be as a part of a routine. That fact is even acknowledged here by the various "day to day" activities in the Exercise Tab.

jennmoore3

You should do something for 30 minutes everyday. Does it matter if it's 10 minutes in the morning, 10 at lucnh, and 10 at dinnertime? No.

Here's an article from Webmd that has some ideas on what you can do in 10-20 minutes for a good burn. It even has some ideas for at work.

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/10-minutes-to-burn-calories

That was what I was wondering. ok I get it now. I was doing 10 here and there 5 here and there between surgeries. Actually today I was LOL don't laugh... lifting gallons of cleaner for 3 minutes. lol while walking the wallway, for 5 minutes. lol

jennmoore3

boy, I just can't say it enough! You guys really know how to lift up my spirits! This is such a amazing site! Everyone I have met so far is so wonderful and helpful! I just want to friend you all and give you a hug... not in a creapy way though. Thanks again!

seriouslyready

I am not sure; but I would not stop in the mean time. Can you get any walking in while your kids are at track?

seriouslyready

I see someone answered you after I replied. I had to smile at your next post, now I know somethings I do arent that crazy. I just koined a couple days ago, but I have enjoyed the site so far.

heathersmilez

I agree. I've read articles that say studies show that even 5 or 10 minutes at a time is better than nothing.

Some exercise = better than no exercise.

I agree however I believe the REAL question posed is not whether it is heathy but can you add up 4, 5 min walks as exercising 20 min? (walking 3.0 walking a dog)

jamievolner

Everything helps, everything however you do not go into fat burning mode until 20 min of consecutive movement.....I worked with an exercise physiologist for 2 years as I was taking off 140 pounds and learned a lot about it. I hope this helps. Also in order to not burn your proteins and muscle eating carbs prior to a good work out not only gives you energy when the "burn" starts the body will attack the carbs and then go into fat burning ..... if the body has no carbs during a work out it will attach any lean muscle and burn it.....This is why breakfast is so important in jump starting the metabolism.

jennmoore3

I agree. I've read articles that say studies show that even 5 or 10 minutes at a time is better than nothing.

Some exercise = better than no exercise.

I agree however I believe the REAL question posed is not whether it is heathy but can you add up 4, 5 min walks as exercising 20 min? (walking 3.0 walking a dog)

Wel, not even 3.0 I would just use the 2.0. but yes, that was what I was getting at, in a round about way. Just on those days where the kids are busy and I am driving here and there and everywhere. For the track meets, I usuallm am watching them because it is a meet, not practice. I get home from work right about the time practice is almost over. So, I go home, let the dogs out, feed the dogs and go get the girls. I bet I could add them in separately on here, I haven't yet though. I just decided to do this instead of doing nothing on the busy days.

Chicka_Boom

Now, you may think I am nuts, but I am going to ask anyways. Now, at work we only get so much time for lunch. and at home, if things are crazy then I only walk on the treadmil for a few minutes. So, my real question is....

If I walk 10 min here and 5 min there through out the day, does it really help things? Like last night, I was interrupted and only got in 10 min of walking. Then tonight the kids have track, and I may only get in the 10 min I walked at lunch (around my department) and maybe another 10-15 at home. Is it worth it? So, is short 5-10 min walks better than nothing or should I just walk when I can do a longer stretch, like 30 min?

You've already gotten some great responses, but I'm going to throw my 2 cents in as well.

First, it isn't a stupid question! Actually it's very relevant. The truth is, no, working out in short 5 or 10 minute intervals is not the same as working out for 30 minutes or more. BUT! It is still good for you, and way better than sitting on your butt instead! You're getting up and moving and that's something to be proud of.

Working out for a longer period of time (30 minutes is a good target to start with) has definite advantages: keeping your heart rate up for longer is better aerobic exercise, it burns more calories (because your HR is up for longer), and it uses more energy from fat stores (as opposed to glycogen stored in your muscles). If you can only exercise for short bursts, though, there's nothing to be ashamed of, that's still burning calories, making you healthier, and bringing you closer to your goal!

A couple of strategies for you:
- Try to figure out where you can find that extra 30 minutes. For me, it involved cutting my hair a bit shorter so that it was easier to manage, getting up just a little earlier, doing my high intensity 30 minute workout (right now I'm doing Jillian Michaels' Ripped in 30 - yowza!), showering, and letting my hair air dry rather than blowdrying it. I cut a little bit of fat out of my morning routine and made room for my workout - try to find a place where you can do the same!
- Instead of walking on a treadmill, try doing something high intensity. I believe someone earlier in the thread suggested high intensity interval training, which would be perfect if you've got limited time. The Jillian workout I just mentioned is something you might try - it's just a matter of finding 26 minutes to do it, giving it your all in that small time frame, and doing it consistently.
- Try incorporating exercise into things you do every day. On your lunch break, do some push ups. Watching the kids? Take them outside and run and play with them. Cleaning house? Do a squat when you need to get low, keep a fast pace, and you'll find that your heart gets pumping!

Good luck & take care!

jennmoore3

Thanks so much! I will try to find the time, even if I have to skip sleep. LOL