Can you achieve results, just walking?

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Replies

  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    I lost 42 pounds by walking.

    its amazing when you put a backpack on with some of the weight you have lost and then take a walk. If you put 30 of those 42 pounds in a pack and carried it around, you will really appreciate your accomplishment and wonder how your body used to carry all that weight everywhere

    congrats
  • Hezzietiger1
    Hezzietiger1 Posts: 1,256 Member
    If you are lifting, you are golden. "In shape" is relative. Nothing transforms your body like lifting. walking is a great cardio exercise.
  • bluebird321
    bluebird321 Posts: 733 Member
    I used walking for the first three months when i started. I found it to be the perfect exercise when I first went into a calorie deficit since I did get a workout, but it didn't make me hungry like more intense workouts did.
  • HisShadow
    HisShadow Posts: 59 Member
    I've done nothing more than walk, swim, and ride my recumbent bike trainer. I'm doing pretty good.
  • DoomCakes
    DoomCakes Posts: 806 Member
    Yea! Walking is healthy. It's active and great for people who suffer from joint pains, foot pains, asthma, etc. Granted, picking up the pace helps, and always trying to walk a bit farther too. Also, a bike is great too. You can pick up your speed, go farther in less time, and you can use it as a mode of transportation (providing everything is reasonably close and not 30 miles away lol)

    IF it's an option, I'd also suggest the elipticals. They are low impact and smooth movements and work your body out very well! I love them, they help my knees. Eventually as the weight comes off you may even be able to start running.
  • PAnn1
    PAnn1 Posts: 530 Member
    Strolling isn't going to do anything

    :huh:

    I'm glad you're not part of my support system.
    Yeah, me too. The original poster asked about "walking" not running. She is walking at a brisk pace. Faster would be jogging, faster than that would be running. So she is not "strolling" as people are saying here. She's doing a brisk walk at 4mph.
  • bookwormwendy
    bookwormwendy Posts: 112 Member
    Yes! Absolutely! I have a heart condition and can't do extremely vigorous cardio. I walk (about 3.5mph 30-40 min a day on the treadmill OR at the local walking track- I use an app on my phone to track it), I do yoga (and yay it's done barefoot :wink: ) and I do some free weights. I've lost a little over 34 pounds and almost half way to my goal. I started in April. Start where you are and with what you can do. Find what brings you results and DON't COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS! You can do it! :happy:
  • AmberJslimsAWAY
    AmberJslimsAWAY Posts: 2,339 Member
    Strolling isn't going to do anything

    :huh:

    I'm glad you're not part of my support system.
    Yeah, me too. The original poster asked about "walking" not running. She is walking at a brisk pace. Faster would be jogging, faster than that would be running. So she is not "strolling" as people are saying here. She's doing a brisk walk at 4mph.

    I clearly said "Strolling (Not saying that's what you're doing)" Goodness gracious.
  • oOMusicBabii
    oOMusicBabii Posts: 494
    I had previously lost 45 pounds using Leslie Sansone Walk Away The Pounds series, at home. It may be an option for you.
    I have been doing Leslie Sansone videos for a month and a half and have lost 9 pounds so far. It's fantastic and very easy to ramp up your HR if you want the extra burn.
  • 00Melyanna00
    00Melyanna00 Posts: 221 Member
    Yes!
    Or you could also try riding a bicycle , swimming, tai chi or yoga.
  • sunlover89
    sunlover89 Posts: 436 Member
    I used walking for the first three months when i started. I found it to be the perfect exercise when I first went into a calorie deficit since I did get a workout, but it didn't make me hungry like more intense workouts did.

    Exactely! It feels so wrong to not feel ravenous in the evening, even though i've been exercising for 150 minutes!
  • SweetPickle007
    SweetPickle007 Posts: 76
    Have you went to a shoe store and had your feet measured? I have very wide feet also. You should be able to get shoes that fit. Your shoes should not be causing you foot pain. Don't ruin your feet by wearing to small of shoes. I wish you the best of luck with your weight loss.:smile:
  • AmberJslimsAWAY
    AmberJslimsAWAY Posts: 2,339 Member
    Yes, i eat healthily and within my 1200 limit. This is my 11th day. My clothes do fit better, it's just thhe last time I did this (burining the same amount with the elliptical, not walking) i lost 7lbs in the first week. This time - nothing. I'm not weight focused, but im surprised at nothing has come off.

    You might be gaining muscles. Are you taking pictures? I have pictures of me 3 weeks apart, same weight, COMPLETE body difference.
  • bookwormwendy
    bookwormwendy Posts: 112 Member
    Yes, i eat healthily and within my 1200 limit. This is my 11th day. My clothes do fit better, it's just thhe last time I did this (burining the same amount with the elliptical, not walking) i lost 7lbs in the first week. This time - nothing. I'm not weight focused, but im surprised at nothing has come off.

    You may have traded some muscle for some fat. Just stick with it and as crazy as it sounds, make sure you don't underfeed yourself. Good luck.
  • PisceanDream224
    PisceanDream224 Posts: 168
    Walking is one of the best forms of exercise because it is low impact and natural for us to do! It sheds body fat, especially in the stomach and legs, improves cardiovascular strength, and helps to relieve stress! Weight training helps tone and define muscles, so your body may not only be supported, but burn more calories while at rest. These two together reap wonderful results!

    You also don't have to exercise hard to see results. You should focus more on your Target Heart Rate. Keeping your HR in a fat burning zone is where you will see the most results. You can find many charts on the web if you google "Target Heart Rate charts." Get a Heart Rate monitor and use it when you exercise so you may keep your readings within your range.

    Personally, I have had great results over the years when it doesn't feel like "exercise" because my heart rate is in my Target zone. :)
  • kimtpa1417
    kimtpa1417 Posts: 461 Member
    Have you tried the C25K? Its a walk/jog program. I am no runner but on nights my son has football practice I do this. Its only 30 minutes and with walking then jogging then walking and so on will increase your heart rate. I jog slow and will work on my speed later. Right now i am working on burning fat and calories
  • tequilasunris3
    tequilasunris3 Posts: 197
    Absolutely. I have lost over 10lbs so far (6lbs whilst on MFP) just by walking more than I was and eating the right things.
  • Kayleighpaul1985
    Kayleighpaul1985 Posts: 98 Member
    I have knee problems so walking has been my main exercise since I started MFP

    Lost 62lb since Jan so it definately works alongside a good diet

    xx
  • sjeagle30
    sjeagle30 Posts: 292 Member
    I am considering going to get a shoe fitting at a place that specializes in running/walking shoes etc. I cannot find a comfortable shoe either and I get the numbness, etc and have no idea why so my guess is my shoes are not fitting correctly. Have you done that?
  • TexanThom
    TexanThom Posts: 778
    I have lost a total of 77 lbs. just walking. If I get over 2.7 mph on the treadmill my ankle hurts so much I have to stop. Try New Balance and Dunham shoes, both go up to EEEEE. I am sure you can find a shoe that will fit if you look at these. Good luck.
  • tabinmaine
    tabinmaine Posts: 965 Member
    Yes, i eat healthily and within my 1200 limit. This is my 11th day. My clothes do fit better, it's just thhe last time I did this (burining the same amount with the elliptical, not walking) i lost 7lbs in the first week. This time - nothing. I'm not weight focused, but im surprised at nothing has come off.

    If you are lifting AND walking that much you need to eat more than 1200 calories. Are you eating 1200 PLUS your exercise calories ??? Probably more like 1700-2000 a day.

    Nothing has come off because your body is not happy with you lol Feed it more food !
  • zachguest
    zachguest Posts: 1
    Try getting some Vibram Five Fingers shoes and see if those help.
  • beckssmith70
    beckssmith70 Posts: 45
    Anything that involves getting off out and burning calories will work, I took off 2 stone (28llb) last year just walking my dogs as well as diet chef (that works the principle behind it is that it is so disgusting you throw it in the bin)
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Walking will work just fine. When I started this year at 280lbs, walking and lifting was what I did. Running at that weight hurt my knee and Achilles (both have been surgically repaired).

    Now that I've lost most of the weight, walking is still a big part of what I do. It's the only cardio that doesn't affect my recovery from lifting, so I walk everywhere.

    Always remember that it's your diet that makes you lose weight, not your workouts. Concentrate on your calorie intake first, and use walking (or any workout) to trim a little extra from your total.
  • capricorn0120
    capricorn0120 Posts: 109 Member
    Walking will help you lose weight. I have a very over weight relative and she started walking 30 minutes every day. I'm not talking a brisk walk either because it was very difficult for her. She's now walking 30 minutes in the morning and 45 in the evening. She's lost 35 lbs. Obviously with some adjustments to her food intake but any kind of movement is beneficial because it will help you burn some calories and tone.

    By the way, I have the same problem with my feet and problem ankle and knee joints. I can't do running. I do cardio but a modified version. There are decent athletic shoes that help when you're exercising.
  • Francesca3162
    Francesca3162 Posts: 520 Member
    It is the only cardio I do.. Walking and now I mix in jogging.. its all about the pace though...
  • tinchick
    tinchick Posts: 59 Member
    Absolutely you can! I'm doing it myself.

    Check out this group for Leslie Sansone Walk at Home. Her videos are great if you want to get healthy through walking and trust me, they will get your heart rate up.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/335-leslie-sansone-walk-at-home
  • BarbellBlondieRuns
    BarbellBlondieRuns Posts: 511 Member
    Have you looked online for wide athletic shoes? Amazon has them that go all the way up to a 4E. Here is a pair in a 2E (link below) that are not any more expensive than typical athletic shoes. Good luck!

    Oh, as far as walking & lifting... heck yeah that's enough! Do what you can & do what you enjoy :)

    http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Cross-Training-Ultramarine-2E-US/dp/B004KP6R44/ref=sr_1_3?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1347547276&sr=1-3
  • makeupmuse10
    makeupmuse10 Posts: 30
    I have a heart condition and high intensity stuff does NOT work for me...I pass out! So walking has been a great alternative!!
  • TheFinalThird
    TheFinalThird Posts: 315 Member
    <
    Just walking and following MFP, down 36 pounds in 50 days.

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