WALKING!: It's great excercise NOT wussy excercise!

frugalmomsrock

maybe its just me but i dont think walking burns too many calories. but i agree everyone needs to start some where.

I use my HRM when I walk, and I can easily get my HR up to the range of 75 to 85 % of my maximum-depending on how fast I'm going and whether I have one child or two. Sometimes if I only have one of my boys, I fill the extra seat with my 10# and 8# dumbbells just to push his weight even if he's not there. lol 75 to 85 % is the same effect I get on my elliptical or bike, so how it could not burn comparable calories?

Char_marcus

I have always walked everywhere, but this year i have started power walking, trying to improve my pace and can walk for ages, i love walking in the sun with my music on and have just started my couch to 5k which is mostly walking to start, I love Walking !!!

marieautumn

maybe its just me but i dont think walking burns too many calories. but i agree everyone needs to start some where.

It depends on how must effort you're putting into it. If you're just going for a casual stroll for 30 minutes you won't burn as many calories as you would if you were power walking at 4.5+mph pumping your arms wearing 1lb wrist weights.

I burn more calories, according to my HRM, power walking than I do running at 6.5mph. It's all about where your heart rate falls.

Oh, and I started out doing only walking the first 8 months of getting back into shape and lost 63 pounds. Then I started gradually running and now run several times a week.

maybe you're right, i just feel like if you are healthy enough you should be investing your work out time more wisely by doing exercises that really challenge you. i dont feel that walking is a challenge.

nancyv73

During the nice weather, walking is my main exercise. I have noticed that it has increased my endurance and has helped my breathing. I have asthma and have been sick alot during my life due to my lungs. Because of my lungs, alot of exercise is to hard for me to breath. I walk a mile almost every day. It has helped so much.:happy:

marieautumn

maybe its just me but i dont think walking burns too many calories. but i agree everyone needs to start some where.

I use my HRM when I walk, and I can easily get my HR up to the range of 75 to 85 % of my maximum-depending on how fast I'm going and whether I have one child or two. Sometimes if I only have one of my boys, I fill the extra seat with my 10# and 8# dumbbells just to push his weight even if he's not there. lol 75 to 85 % is the same effect I get on my elliptical or bike, so how it could not burn comparable calories?

thats good for you. my walking heart rate is usually less than 150 and my heart rate while doing crossfit is usually 167 and higher. i just prefer a more challenging work out i suppose. dont get me wrong, i take a walk with my son and dogs every night, but i dont consider it my exercise for the day.

roballesteros

I started walking in Sept 2010 and soon (around 2 months) began running, my body just naturally wanted to go faster. I have since run two half marathons and several 5Ks and 10Ks. I still love walking and do it regularly. I run at least 5 times a week and try to walk at least 3 miles at least once a week. I have also done P90X (I am on my second round of that) and Jillian Michaels but I always incorporate walking at least once a week. It is good for you!

arickim

Lost 9lbs walking and doing alittle more. Love walking!!!! You go and clear your mind, no worries, and you don't think about all the troubles going on in your life. I grew up in the counrty, so I walked all the time.

mslack01

I love walking! One of the people who inspired my journey is a man in my neighborhood. He had a small stroke and was told he needed to diet and exercise. He is a friend of ours that we occasionally hang out with. I noticed him walking in the neighborhood and about six-nine months later I noticed a big change in his physique. He looks great!!! And I tell him every chance I get. He has also gotten a nice tan from his walks. I'm hoping I will too. I started out walking on a treadmill but now I walk in my neighborhood whenever the weather is nice. I got a dog back in August that needs to be walked so that helps me. Plus, now, my co-worker and I also go walking at a local park at lunch. So most days I get in a double walk. I'm down 11 lbs which might not sound like much but I wasn't really big to begin with.

mslack01

Lost 9lbs walking and doing alittle more. Love walking!!!! You go and clear your mind, no worries, and you don't think about all the troubles going on in your life. I grew up in the counrty, so I walked all the time.

I agree. It's very therapeutic for me.

c3jaam

I have joint problems that restrict me from running. I bought a treadmill in January to walk on, since I wasn't going to go out in inclement weather. I have lost 13 pounds so far, and that is a big part of it.
Started out at about 20 minutes a few times a week, and worked up. I now average 45-60 minutes 4 times per week. About 300-400 calories burned.
Getting better at being able to increase speed and incline.

VanillaBeanSeed

Am I the only one that has a hard time walking? My shins and calves hurt like a b*tch! I can to the elliptical for 30 mins.. but the treadmill kills my legs!! :'[

frugalmomsrock

maybe its just me but i dont think walking burns too many calories. but i agree everyone needs to start some where.

I use my HRM when I walk, and I can easily get my HR up to the range of 75 to 85 % of my maximum-depending on how fast I'm going and whether I have one child or two. Sometimes if I only have one of my boys, I fill the extra seat with my 10# and 8# dumbbells just to push his weight even if he's not there. lol 75 to 85 % is the same effect I get on my elliptical or bike, so how it could not burn comparable calories?

thats good for you. my walking heart rate is usually less than 150 and my heart rate while doing crossfit is usually 167 and higher. i just prefer a more challenging work out i suppose. dont get me wrong, i take a walk with my son and dogs every night, but i dont consider it my exercise for the day.

Just because I walk 3-5 miles a day, 4 days a week or so doesn't mean I don't like a challenging workout. I go to the gym and lift heavy; I do HIIT elliptical (where my HR goes from 135 ish to 180), use the arc trainer, etc. I also have equipment at home for both strength and cardio (elliptical, stationary bike, dumbbells, kettlebells, and a heavy punching bag/stand). I just don't count out my walking as part of my exercise. If it's getting my HR up to anything above 70%, I freaking log it... that's exercise!

BJPitts

I have been power walking at least 30 minutes a day AND doing exercise routines with a 10 lb kettle ball for about 10-15 minutes daily. I have been doing this since February 9, 2012. I have lost 12 lbs. Of course I have been eating healthy and drinking a ton of water. All of this is done in my own home and at a local track. I am busy Mom with 4 kids, (one of which just turned a year old), so time and money is a big factor for me. The kettle ball workout is done each morning and most of my walking is done on my lunch break or in the evening once I get home from work. I have lost inches in my hips, waist and stomach and I am actually down two dress sizes. It is amazing to see such awesome results. I have about 46 more pounds to go and I would like to go down at least 3 more dress sizes by the end of the year. So far it looks like I am well on my way to meet or exceed my goal.

aamb

i have lost almost 34lbs by walking, with a tiny bit of swimming once a week last summer, and a few dance around the house like a mad thing sessions... but walking is my main form of exercise, i can walk round 'the square' (4miles, some of it uphill) in an hour and on easter sunday am walking 10ks to raise money for scottish childrens charities

coconutbuNZ

Walking works! And it is good for the soul. I love being outdoors. Find it boring working out indoors.

chicpeach

Walking is still my main cardio, When I started, all I could do is a mile and it took my close to half hour. I worked at it until I could do a 20 minute mile, which is where your start to reap cardio benefits. Once I got there, I started working toward duration and speed. I now do 15 minute miles for 40 minutes. I do this 5 days a week. Sometimes I walk on my off days, but it's slower, 3mph and I do about a mile.

Walking is particularly helpful after a high carb meal as it will help to level blood sugar which reduces the chance of a sugar crash which of course triggers cravings.

Hope the info helps and/or encourages someone.

UpEarly

maybe its just me but i dont think walking burns too many calories. but i agree everyone needs to start some where.

It depends on how must effort you're putting into it. If you're just going for a casual stroll for 30 minutes you won't burn as many calories as you would if you were power walking at 4.5+mph pumping your arms wearing 1lb wrist weights.

I burn more calories, according to my HRM, power walking than I do running at 6.5mph. It's all about where your heart rate falls.

Oh, and I started out doing only walking the first 8 months of getting back into shape and lost 63 pounds. Then I started gradually running and now run several times a week.

maybe you're right, i just feel like if you are healthy enough you should be investing your work out time more wisely by doing exercises that really challenge you. i dont feel that walking is a challenge.

Then maybe you're doing it wrong. :-)

With a weighted pack, moving quickly and climbing steep hills, walking is as challenging (per my heart rate monitor, my Body Media Fit and my perceived exertion) as doing an hour of step aerobics or cardio drills. One hour of walking (the way I do it) burns more calories than P90X: Plyo, Cardio X or Kenpo. Walking (for me) also burns more calories than an hour of circuit training.

tashaa1992

I've tried out the gym but it just isn't for me, the thought of sweat makes me feel a bit sick to be honest. Walking is how I get my exercise, I walk about 30-120 minutes everyday and I really enjoy it. I'm not doing it to lose weight, but it completely helps my mental side. I suffer with depression, have for about four-five years and I know alot of what made it worse was down to my ex, ex step dad and my eating disorder, and even though I know I'm still suffering with anorexia, I feel alot more mentally stable. I put it down to god and also getting out there and just walking. I no longer have suicidal thoughts so yeah if that's not a reason to walk I don't know what is lol.

AmeChops

I love walking too!! Did almost 9 miles on Saturday and probably another 5 or so on Sunday and, I think, 3 today...was a bit lazy :blushing:

Slacker :laugh:

Tomorrow I shall do better :happy:

bellygoaway

I get an hour for lunch. That is not enough time to go to a gym, change work-out, clean up, and make it back to the office. It is enough time to eat and have 30 minutes left over for walking. Plus you haven't sweated like a pig and smell when coming back to the office.
Walking will produce the same results as running, it just takes longer.

marieautumn

maybe its just me but i dont think walking burns too many calories. but i agree everyone needs to start some where.

It depends on how must effort you're putting into it. If you're just going for a casual stroll for 30 minutes you won't burn as many calories as you would if you were power walking at 4.5+mph pumping your arms wearing 1lb wrist weights.

I burn more calories, according to my HRM, power walking than I do running at 6.5mph. It's all about where your heart rate falls.

Oh, and I started out doing only walking the first 8 months of getting back into shape and lost 63 pounds. Then I started gradually running and now run several times a week.

maybe you're right, i just feel like if you are healthy enough you should be investing your work out time more wisely by doing exercises that really challenge you. i dont feel that walking is a challenge.

Then maybe you're doing it wrong. :-)

With a weighted pack, moving quickly and climbing steep hills, walking is as challenging (per my heart rate monitor, my Body Media Fit and my perceived exertion) as doing an hour of step aerobics or cardio drills. One hour of walking (the way I do it) burns more calories than P90X: Plyo, Cardio X or Kenpo. Walking (for me) also burns more calories than an hour of circuit training.

i really find it hard to believe that an hour of walking burns more than an hour of P90 or cardio. sorry. I do crossfit and class is usually 45 mins a day and we work so hard we almost puke, i find it REALLY hard to believe walking burns more than this.

butterfly10398

I started out walking and lost 30 lbs prior to coming to MFP... I still walk EVERY day... It truly is GREAT exercise, I didn't stop with the walking though.. That was just the beginning, since then i've progressed to working out several times a week... But we all have to start somewhere!

frugalmomsrock

BONUS: walking and my at-home regimen combined with my gym trips never make me feel like I'm going to puke. All while effectively helping me lose 63 pounds (so far) and about 55 inches. Never puking or even close. No no no.

newve

I walked off 47lbs before getting pregnant with my first baby - and then walked off all my baby weight plus an extra 5lbs after my first baby! Baby #2 is now 8 months old and the weather is turning warmer... time to walk off the baby weight again!

Same here..

AMaro215

Bump

UpEarly

i really find it hard to believe that an hour of walking burns more than an hour of P90 or cardio. sorry. I do crossfit and class is usually 45 mins a day and we work so hard we almost puke, i find it REALLY hard to believe walking burns more than this.

Well, I didn't compare walking to Crossfit, because I don't do Crossfit or even know anything about it. I have done P90X, and I am saying my walking workouts burn more calories - my heart rate is higher, I feel like I've worked harder and my Body Media Fit shows a higher rate of calorie burn.

I'm just saying for me, with the pack I carry, with the terrain I cover, with the elevation I climb and with the pace I keep - walking is pretty freaking challenging.

I'm not saying it's the same for you.

Angelabec

I started at 330lbs, with limited funds and no self confidence making the gym a big no no. Walking was my primary exercise in the first few months, I found a route I liked and did it as often as I could. I had to start adding extra bits after a while, as my pace increased, so that I could still walk for the same time.

I also bought an exercise (stationary) bike, which I used every day. Started at 10 mins per day, moved up to 11 mins on wk 2, 12 mins wk 3 and so on, but it took a while to build that up, whereas I could already walk for an hour plus at a time.

I've now started C25K, and swimming, but I still like to get in a nice walk at the weekends.

mg720

i started this journey at 208-210 pounds. In the beginning my main form of exercise was walking. I walked 4+ miles several days a week and this worked for me! Not only for my physical health but for my mental health as well. I since then incorporated several Jillian dvds. I enjoy walking and i DO burn calories from walking. Using my hrm there are some days that i walk and can burn 900+ calories from one work out walk. I now am 134 pounds and only a few pounds away from my goal and continue to incorporate walking into my daily routine along with my dvds and other at home workouts.

saintspoon

Sooooo much awesome feedback

And much of it from very sexy fit people!

the reson for starting this topic today was actually for all those out there just looking where to start, who have no self-esteem & don't believe they can do it! When I was 260 i was told to walk but didn't believe it would do anything for me.... figured I had to join the marathon club or buy a rowing machine.

I wanted to show you that you burn many calories walking & WILL get great results. Sure maybe zumba & spin class will burn more calories per hour...but that doesn't make a lick of difference if you would NEVER do either.

I also love how many of you have explained how it clears your head & puts you in a better mood too! This is one of the biggest reasons I really try to get out there. Sure I can work-out on the eliptical but even if I burn twice the calories i don't feel half as good as I did in the sunshine & fresh air in my face

marieautumn

BONUS: walking and my at-home regimen combined with my gym trips never make me feel like I'm going to puke. All while effectively helping me lose 63 pounds (so far) and about 55 inches. Never puking or even close. No no no.

we feel sick some times because we do out work out outdoors and really push ourselves. you should try a crossfit class, i bet you would really like it. we are like a little family because you work out with the same group every day. it is very motivating.