Walking. It's not a "wimpy" way to exercise for health.
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ninerbuff
Posts: 48,529 Member
Never been much of a runner (less than 3 miles at a time) and am one that will walk more than they run.
The reaction that I get from many who ask what I do for cardio surprises them. Yes I kickbox and sprint too, but the majority of my cardiovascular work comes from a decent pace of walking.
So don't feel bad if that's all you're able to do.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Walking-Your-steps-to-health
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
The reaction that I get from many who ask what I do for cardio surprises them. Yes I kickbox and sprint too, but the majority of my cardiovascular work comes from a decent pace of walking.
So don't feel bad if that's all you're able to do.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Walking-Your-steps-to-health
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Replies
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It's my main cardio exercise right now. I've run in the past, and probably will as the weather improves, but I really like walking too. Definitely not a wimpy exercise.0
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Movement is movement, and walking is better than sitting. It's my only form of cardio too.0
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I lost 112 pounds doing it....you won't hear any complaints from me. Do what you love to do and you will be successful. Thanks for making this post. Many people feel inadequate because they walk for exercise.
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I *tried* running last summer. I mean, I *can* run (5k is my limit, and I'm around 13 min/mi pace on a 5k). But it's not "fun" for me, so I walk.
Funny thing, my brisk walking pace is 13.5min/mi. HA! I walk almost as fast as I can run, and I can do it longer, enjoy it more, and it doesn't hurt my knees. WINNING!0 -
I walk, and most of the time I walk fast enough to get my heart rate up (depends on level of pain at the time). I'll never be a runner because of a back injury. I've had surgery twice, it can't be fixed, so I adjust accordingly.
Even when I was very fit, I wasn't a runner unless someone made me LOL. I was in much better shape than almost everyone I knew, so I know I can get there again without running.0 -
Agreed. Walking was my primary cardio activity when I started and continues to be a part of my weekly fitness activities.0
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I only walk a lot when I'm forced to go to China for business. And even that is only when I'm at the office that isn't near a pool.
Degenerative osteoarthritis in my feet had 3 different doctors telling me not to do martial arts any more or a lot of walking.
Hiking trails is actually less stress on my feet than pounding concrete sidewalks.
My biggest concern walking in China was causing an accident. People on scooters flying past me and staring at me instead of the road
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I love walking. It's a good stress reliever to get out of the house away from the chaos, and enjoy the fresh air.0
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Thank You! I love walking. It's something you can do, no matter what. Everytime I go for a walk I notice something new... I've been walking the same path for years. 0
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As mentioned in the article, impact on the joints from running does take it's toll as one ages whereas the same isn't found with walking.williams969 wrote: » I *tried* running last summer. I mean, I *can* run (5k is my limit, and I'm around 13 min/mi pace on a 5k). But it's not "fun" for me, so I walk.
Funny thing, my brisk walking pace is 13.5min/mi. HA! I walk almost as fast as I can run, and I can do it longer, enjoy it more, and it doesn't hurt my knees. WINNING!
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Lol, I'd NEVER ride a scooter in China.I only walk a lot when I'm forced to go to China for business. And even that is only when I'm at the office that isn't near a pool.
Degenerative osteoarthritis in my feet had 3 different doctors telling me not to do martial arts any more or a lot of walking.
Hiking trails is actually less stress on my feet than pounding concrete sidewalks.
My biggest concern walking in China was causing an accident. People on scooters flying past me and staring at me instead of the road
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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williams969 wrote: » I *tried* running last summer. I mean, I *can* run (5k is my limit, and I'm around 13 min/mi pace on a 5k). But it's not "fun" for me, so I walk.
Funny thing, my brisk walking pace is 13.5min/mi. HA! I walk almost as fast as I can run, and I can do it longer, enjoy it more, and it doesn't hurt my knees. WINNING!
Wow, you're fast! My fastest mile has been 16 mins. lol But I always feel good when I'm done. 0 -
As mentioned in the article, impact on the joints from running does take it's toll as one ages whereas the same isn't found with walking.williams969 wrote: » I *tried* running last summer. I mean, I *can* run (5k is my limit, and I'm around 13 min/mi pace on a 5k). But it's not "fun" for me, so I walk.
Funny thing, my brisk walking pace is 13.5min/mi. HA! I walk almost as fast as I can run, and I can do it longer, enjoy it more, and it doesn't hurt my knees. WINNING!
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
Are you calling me OLD
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I walk to and from work every day, my only cardio. I couldn't maintain without it.0
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williams969 wrote: » I *tried* running last summer. I mean, I *can* run (5k is my limit, and I'm around 13 min/mi pace on a 5k). But it's not "fun" for me, so I walk.
Funny thing, my brisk walking pace is 13.5min/mi. HA! I walk almost as fast as I can run, and I can do it longer, enjoy it more, and it doesn't hurt my knees. WINNING!
Wow, you're fast! My fastest mile has been 16 mins. lol But I always feel good when I'm done.
I have as long a walking stride as running stride, so that helps. Even a 16min mile is great. So close to 4 mph!0 -
I love walking, in fact when you have a dog you have to love it ... all weathers, early starts and late finishes ... but you always have a walking buddy who loves it just as much 0 -
i walk all the time. its free. LOL and it wears out the dog that im pretty sure is part tasmanian devil.0
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I used to run and enjoyed it but as I've gotten older I've developed severe issues with my knees (arthritis and loss of cartilage) so now I walk as my main form of cardio.0
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With a pregnant wife, I can't disagree with you OP (plus, 9ers for life), but am training like a beeeotch for a half marathon. Getting myself close to a 10 min/ mile and feeling decent about it.0
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I wish I lived closer to a beach because then I'd walk on sand for a more intense workout.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition 0
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