Is walking enough of an exercise?

I think so.... I walk five mornings a week to the gym and back.... 3.2 miles in just under an hour total. At the gym, I do 35 min on the elliptical at level 11 and 10 to 15 min of circuit on the machines. It seems to be benefiting me. If I didn't have the gym, I would just walk..... Do you walk with a purposeful stride? I think they say that's key!

What benefit are you trying to get? Burning calories to eat back? Just general cardiorespiratory health?

The general recommendation is 75 minutes a week (3 days x 25 minutes) of vigorous intensity exercise such as running or 150 minutes a week (5 days x 30 minutes) of low intensity exercise such as brisk walking for general health.

If you're looking to increase your efficiency at cardio you could include stage training/HIIT or circuit training.

If you're looking to just burn as many calories as possible you could up the intensity.

pbandz wrote: »

It's usually a casual stroll. Sometimes I walk on the treadmill and focus more on keeping a good pace and staying focused.. But normally I just carry a book or my phone and read for a few hours while I walk

I take my phone with me too. I'm walking right now as I'm typing this lol I average around 120 steps a minute

Walking is something I do every single day. I consider it a favorite activity even when the weather is bad. Whenever I arrive at a new city the very first thing I do is scope out the blocks and walk around. You will benefit from your walks for sure and you can always add to it if you feel you need more.

For 10 years I ran (pretty much all through my 30's, 5-6 km a day, 5-6 times a week). A few years ago I was struck with shingles, then with sciatica, and eventually with chronic piriformis syndrome (aka runner's butt). For a long time any type of exercise would exacerbate the extreme discomfort and numbness that ran from my lower back to deep in my heel. Even walking was a struggle, and because of the fatigue I felt from not sleeping at night with the pain, I became extremely inactive. Last July, I started Pilates to strengthen my core and relieve the pressure on my back, and in October started adding in a few walks a week - very slow short walks at first, and eventually longer and faster-paced. I now walk at least 8 km a day, slower or faster depending on whether the piriformis is acting up (which is less and less and less), and I can honestly say that the walking (combined with Pilates and healthy eating) has completely re-sculpted what had become a pretty dumpy body. Any walking is better than no walking. I feel very lucky to be able to walk with ease again. Best of luck with your goals!

KareninLux wrote: »

Used to run but now my knees are junk. Now I walk everyday - 75 minutes. I also use walking poles (but in trekking style (as opposed to nordic walking style) with the poles moving out ahead of your body.) Using poles helps with upper body and when I do cross country walks with my husband on weekends it helps keep balance on difficult or muddy terrain.

Yes! I've only just discovered hiking poles, aren't they awesome? They help the arms get a workout whilst making the actual hike easier

Forgot to say -- the app I highly recommend for smartphone use is 'Mapmyrun' (no running necessary!). I think it is the same company as Myfitnesspal now.

Hey, if it is working for you and you enjoy it then stick at it. Weights, gym, running etc are not for everyone. Keep at it

KareninLux wrote: »

Used to run but now my knees are junk.

For the record......running does not damage your knees......

OP in terms of calorie burn a mile walked is a mile walked (mass over distance) in terms of cardiovascular benefit you will derive a greater benefit from bumping up the intensity a bit and raising your heart rate. Having said that you don't need to train for a marathon or bench press 200lbs to be healthy. Just getting out and being active puts you head and shoulders above the vast majority of the population.

I love walking and usually go out 3-4 times a week for about 4 miles, or until I've gotten to the end of the chapter on whatever audio book I'm listening to. It's wonderful exercise that can be varied depending on whether I just need a mood lifter or am ready for a challenge.

That said, my body really didn't start to change until I started strength training. I'm still new to it but am gradually buying fitness equipment that I can use at home: adjustable dumbbells, mat, TRX, etc. I work one part of my body every day, rotating between lower body, upper body and core. It doesn't take that long and makes a huge difference to how I feel in my skin. And I still love my walks.

Mix it up, if you can. You may find it easier to stay engaged and your walks will become more and more enjoyable as you get strong.

bcalvanese wrote: »

BrianSharpe wrote: »

KareninLux wrote: »

Used to run but now my knees are junk.

For the record......running does not damage your knees......

OP in terms of calorie burn a mile walked is a mile walked (mass over distance) in terms of cardiovascular benefit you will derive a greater benefit from bumping up the intensity a bit and raising your heart rate. Having said that you don't need to train for a marathon or bench press 200lbs to be healthy. Just getting out and being active puts you head and shoulders above the vast majority of the population.

If you do not develop a good running style you can damage a lot more than just your knees.

Citation?

lorrpb wrote: »

I love to walk and am a big advocate of people going whatever they can given their current fitness level. At the same time we each need to kept pushing ourselves. If you're strolling with a book and faking this question, maybe that's a clue that you have the ability to pick up the pace a bit. Walk got the same length of time, but faster. Or go fast/slow intervals.

Sorry for the autocorrect, should say " If you're strolling with a book and asking this question, maybe that's a clue that you have the ability to pick up the pace a bit.