Is walking 'real' exercise?

sunkisses

I managed to lose 35lb doing only walking. I've since kicked things up a bit and lost 3 more pounds. So...yeah, it works.

joliejolie123456

I'm just wondering... if you can get used to walking, can you also get used to swimming or running or any other kind of sport? I guess that the important thing is to mix up your exercise regime all the time or it stops being effective?

I've changed my settings to sedentry from lightly active to be on the safe side but being as i'm maintaining do you think i should stop logging my walks all together and just keep my setting as lightly active? Thanks to everyone for the advice.

billythewiz

It's definitely exercise and a fantastic one for weight loss.

The "problem" with high intensity exercise (running, spinning, zumba, whatever) is that it can often leave you feeling very hungry. That's great if you can suffer that hunger but most people can't. So it's great for fitness but not as great as the calorie expenditure might make you think.

Walking gives your body time to metabolise fat and so when you finish you don't feel "starving" and so it's much easier to stick it out to the next meal.

The "problem" with walking is that it takes a long time to do a lot of it. If you've got the time then great.

Most people will lose weight if they were doing 450 minutes of walking a week !

engineman312

I'm just wondering... if you can get used to walking, can you also get used to swimming or running or any other kind of sport? I guess that the important thing is to mix up your exercise regime all the time or it stops being effective? Thanks to everyone for the advice.

yes, yes you can, however it doesn't stop being effective.

personally, i continuously push myself in my work outs. i alternate runs either in distance or speed, and when i do swim work outs i have different routines that i draw from. strength training always changes. either i do more weight or different exercises.

if you did 50 push ups this week, you should be looking to do 55 push ups next week.

sdwelk11

Here you go:

Link is at the bottom if you want to read more.

Walking: Trim your waistline, improve your health
Walking is a low-impact exercise with numerous health benefits. Here's how to get started.
By Mayo Clinic staff

Walking is a gentle, low-impact exercise that can ease you into a higher level of fitness and health. Walking is a form of exercise accessible to just about everybody. It's safe, simple and doesn't require practice. And the health benefits are many. Here's more about why walking is good for you, and how to get started with a walking program.

Benefits of walking
Walking, like other exercise, can help you achieve a number of important health benefits. Walking can help you:

Lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol)
Raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol)
Lower your blood pressure
Reduce your risk of or manage type 2 diabetes
Manage your weight
Improve your mood
Stay strong and fit
All it takes to reap these benefits is a routine of brisk walking. It doesn't get much simpler than that. And you can forget the "no pain, no gain" talk. Research shows that regular, brisk walking can reduce the risk of heart attack by the same amount as more vigorous exercise, such as jogging.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/walking/HQ01612

Azdak

First of all, we have to define our terms.

Assuming that "exercise" is an activity performed in such a way as to increase muscular strength or aerobic functional capacity. By that definition, HOW a movement is performed is more important than WHAT movement is performed when determining whether or not it is "exercise".

Walking can be considered "exercise" if it is done at the appropriate intensity, frequency and duration to achieve a training effect in a given individual.

If walking is done below that threshold, then it would be more accurate to refer to it as "activity". Activity has it's own benefits, not only for overall health, but also in expending calories and losing/controlling weight.

I am amusing myself with excess pedantry, but it might make a difference for some people.

In short, walking may or may not be "real execise" -- it depends on the type of walking and the fitness level of the individual. If you go from running 3 miles a day to walking, you will not maintain your fitness level--even if you walk for an hour or two at a time.

However, if you are trying to maintain an energy balance, then lots of casual activity (walking) can be helpful.

Enjoy it.

bonkers5975

Absolutely! If you want to kick it up, throw in a few sprints along the way. Free gym exercise!

hush7hush

I would consider using it in addition to an exercise routine, and not as your ONLY form of exercise. It's not really going to improve your fitness level much.

But, if all your looking for is some extra calories to be burnt, it's sure better than sitting around.

To answer your question, OP, I think if you're already eating for "Lightly Active" then you should NOT log your walks. It would be like counting them twice, and eating more than you need to.

Xtina_Beba

It is definitely considered exercise. I walked everywhere when I was pregnant, I walked and practiced yoga after pregnancy (lost the 20lbs I gained in 2 months), I still walk everywhere, I try not to drive too much. Walking burns calories and is known to reduce stress.

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

it had better be-- it's the only kind of exercise I can do! :P