Does increasing steps really help....

BeagleHQ
BeagleHQ Posts: 15
in Fitness and Exercise
Does walking more to increase steps per day really make a difference if it's just plain old walking and nothing strenuous? Like walking farther to a bathroom at work or just adding more steps here and there to up the total? It just feels so...non-exercise like. :/

Julie

Replies

  • lorrennon
    lorrennon Posts: 43
    yes, it goes make a difference. That is actually how I had to start weight loss as I was that far out of shape. Now I make sure that I walk at least 3 miles a day but shoot for 5. The ke is that you are moving and movement expends energy. Energy= calories so every step does help. My knees are shot so I'll never run but I can feel the difference. My heart rate has dropped from 90+ resting to 60, and the weight loss speaks for itself.
  • IoZacharis
    IoZacharis Posts: 39 Member
    Every little thing counts, that extra step you take, that one bite you didnt have, everything. That doesnt mean you go nuts over everything. It is encouraging if you think about it.
  • imkegoal
    imkegoal Posts: 156 Member
    After logging on daily on MFP for over 2 years and an initial weight loss, my mum just didn't manage to lose the last 5 KG towards her target for over a year. this was until we bought her a "fit bit" for mothers day this year- counting her daily steps. She has now lost the 5 KG she couldn't lose before, simply by walking 10,000 steps per day and continuing logging her intake on MFP. She is convinced walking has been the key to losing her weight, and I think she is right.
  • Timelordlady85
    Timelordlady85 Posts: 797 Member
    walking is how I've lost and kept off the weight I've lost so far. I walk on my elliptical and walk my kids to and from school each day, or do a walk away the pounds dvd. all walking lol, so yeah to me every step counts.:smile:
  • BeagleHQ
    BeagleHQ Posts: 15
    Ok. Thanks, guys. I guess I am of the mind that activity doesn't do anything unless you're actively working out and breaking a sweat. Right now my steps are averaging 1500-2200/day. (>_<)

    Julie
  • davert123
    davert123 Posts: 1,568 Member
    Hi julie - have a look at this

    http://www.acefitness.org/acefit/healthy-living-article/60/3757/the-n-e-a-t-way-to-exercise/

    cheers
    Dave
  • kendrak06
    kendrak06 Posts: 14 Member
    It sure does help!!

    Near the end of May, I bought a Fitbit and since owning it, I've lost 20 lbs. I definitely aim (& usually achieve) for 10k steps each day. At work, I've started making daily tasks more routes (if possible) and I talk the longer way to the bathroom & breakroom. I go for a 30+ minute walk every day. Every step counts!
  • deevah62
    deevah62 Posts: 32 Member
    I am not a gym rat and I spend a lot of time at a desk at work and in a chair at evening rehearsals. I walk to work 4 days a week (25 minutes each way) and I use the stairs before the elevator. I could not have lost weight or maintained without walking.
  • arrrrjt
    arrrrjt Posts: 245 Member
    If you increase that you are most definitely burning more calories than just 1500 - 2000 steps. For example, you walk for 1/2 an hour, it is approximately 2500-3000 steps, at 2.5 mph (quite slow) and you burn approx 140 cal. That is 140 cal more than sitting on your couch doing nothing! And as your speed increases, so will your burn. Good luck!
  • snowflake930
    snowflake930 Posts: 2,188 Member
    You better believe it helps. I wish I had my fitbit when I began here, I don't know how many steps I was taking then, but I would guess it was not very many. I could not walk up a flight of stair without getting out of breath. I lost a lot of weight and had been on MFP for 11 months when I got my fitbit. I got almost 29,000 steps on Saturday, but am averaging 18,000 to 20,000 since the first of January. I will be 63 next week and losing the weight and moving more has made me feel better than I have in decades. I don't know how much weight I have lost because of walking and it doesn't really matter, I can walk/hike for hours without getting tired.
  • bennettinfinity
    bennettinfinity Posts: 865 Member
    yes, it goes make a difference. That is actually how I had to start weight loss as I was that far out of shape. Now I make sure that I walk at least 3 miles a day but shoot for 5. The ke is that you are moving and movement expends energy. Energy= calories so every step does help. My knees are shot so I'll never run but I can feel the difference. My heart rate has dropped from 90+ resting to 60, and the weight loss speaks for itself.

    I've had a similar experience - started about 18 months ago and average between 6 and 7 miles a day; my RHR is high 40's / low 50's. Walking can take you further than most people would think! :smile:
  • BeagleHQ
    BeagleHQ Posts: 15
    I really had no idea - thanks for the inspiration, all!!
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    NEAT (what the link referred to) is an awesome weight loss (and health) aid.

    ps: love your avatar.
  • BeagleHQ
    BeagleHQ Posts: 15
    Thank you!!

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