Walking for Weight Loss

Recently moved to a new community where I can actually finally go for walks pretty much whenever I want and I'm loving it. I've been walking the dog two or three times a day, taking the kids to the park, exploring my new neighborhood, doing some hills and jogging intervals too (when the mood strikes).

Anyway, I'm down 10lbs in a 3 week span - which I know is a little too fast to be realistic, its just the initial water weight dropping off - and I'm feeling awesome. Hoping to keep up this momentum and drop another 40lbs this year.

Replies

  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    Good work! I think walking is great exercise for people of all fitness levels. For beginners, it can be a gateway exercise, getting you up and more mobile and eventually to the point where you want to add other fitness activities.

    Good luck working toward your goal :)
  • jessef593
    jessef593 Posts: 2,272 Member
    Was there a question about weightloss or just sharing your success?
  • RainaProske
    RainaProske Posts: 636 Member
    I want so much to walk. Daily. But dogs used to bite me, and I worry about dogs while walking. I actually lost count of how many times I was bitten from age 8.2 until 17. Admittedly, the last time I was bitten was 50 years ago, but the fear is still exasperating. My husband says I can carry his dog spray, but where's the guarantee that the wind won't blow it back in my face instead?

    I finally did walk a mile a couple weeks ago, but it was disastrous, as far as any peace while doing it. Right now, I can't drive to a park or to the waterfront (cataracts; operation sometime in Sept-Oct).

    Any suggestions, other than, "Oh, get over it!"
  • Codilee87
    Codilee87 Posts: 509 Member
    I want so much to walk. Daily. But dogs used to bite me, and I worry about dogs while walking. I actually lost count of how many times I was bitten from age 8.2 until 17. Admittedly, the last time I was bitten was 50 years ago, but the fear is still exasperating. My husband says I can carry his dog spray, but where's the guarantee that the wind won't blow it back in my face instead?

    I finally did walk a mile a couple weeks ago, but it was disastrous, as far as any peace while doing it. Right now, I can't drive to a park or to the waterfront (cataracts; operation sometime in Sept-Oct).

    Any suggestions, other than, "Oh, get over it!"

    I would look into finding a therapy dog that you can visit to help you get over your (very rational) fears. Maybe a cuddly old Golden Retriever who you can visit (and even take for walks eventually) would boost your confidence levels.

    Start small, maybe drive (let someone else drive, that is) around your neighborhood and find out who has dogs, who leaves their dogs out in the yard and try to map out a walking route to avoid crossing too close to them.

    Walk with a friend or family member who can help take your mind off of it and will let dog walkers know to give you some space.

    Find an indoor walking/running track where you can go any time, no dogs allowed.

    That's all I got, hope it helps.
  • Queen_JessieA
    Queen_JessieA Posts: 1,059 Member
    Hi! Walking is what I do...I have a 7 month old I push in the stroller and we hit the road every night for 2-2.5 miles.

    I am trying to overcome some plantar faciitis at the moment - I hope to be able to go further once that is resolved.

    I also LOVEEEE to hike! It's the only time I can get my older three kids not to fight while we are out and about. I will pop the baby in his front carrier and off we go :)
  • TheRootofGroot
    TheRootofGroot Posts: 118 Member
    Walking is my answer to cheat meals.
    I'll binge big, then walk home which is about 10 miles (15km).
  • RainaProske
    RainaProske Posts: 636 Member
    Codilee87 wrote: »
    I would look into finding a therapy dog that you can visit to help you get over your (very rational) fears. Maybe a cuddly old Golden Retriever who you can visit (and even take for walks eventually) would boost your confidence levels.

    Start small, maybe drive (let someone else drive, that is) around your neighborhood and find out who has dogs, who leaves their dogs out in the yard and try to map out a walking route to avoid crossing too close to them.

    Walk with a friend or family member who can help take your mind off of it and will let dog walkers know to give you some space.

    Find an indoor walking/running track where you can go any time, no dogs allowed.

    That's all I got, hope it helps.

    Thank you, @Codilee87 ! Great suggestions!

    Both my daughter and son have dogs, but they don't freak me out, until they jump on me. They very rarely do that anymore, but I am still always on guard with them, not even petting them. And admittedly, too, I freak out when they get near the human food.

    My husband does walk with me when we go to a park or into the mountains. It's just that sometimes, I want to break out alone, just to stretch my wings re dealing with dogs. I probably should just be content with walking with him, until I get my cataract surgery. That's the problem, too with indoor walking: I need a ride.

    Thank you. You are making me think! That's appreciated!
  • KarenEH162
    KarenEH162 Posts: 19 Member
    I walk every morning around 6am for 1-1:30 about 4-6 miles. Jump starts the day and burns a lot of calories too. Eat something high in protien before I go so I'm not hungry take my water and music with me and time flies by real fast. It's like a natural antidepressant. Try it out, it's great!!
  • bladebiker
    bladebiker Posts: 133 Member
    edited July 2016
    Great effort codilee, I'm on the build up to actually walking again after an accident, cannot wait to finally be able to say "went hiking today" lol, not all that 10lbs will be water weight, believe me you'll be burning calories, I'm 27lbs down now, really pleased with it but very slow when I can't get out for a run/walk, good luck and keep pushing it
  • RainaProske
    RainaProske Posts: 636 Member
    edited July 2016
    You people are so encouraging. I'm getting an "I can do this" attitude.

    I did buy a step monitor that measures distance.
  • KareninLux
    KareninLux Posts: 1,413 Member
    I used to run while in the military. Don't do that anymore. Walking is my salvation. Have enjoyed a walking commute of +6kms for the last three years. My colleagues think I am nuts but it has been a key to my weightloss.
  • 5K85
    5K85 Posts: 98 Member
    Walking is nice to doing in the morning and evening with a can do attitude
  • dutchandkiwi
    dutchandkiwi Posts: 1,389 Member
    KareninLux wrote: »
    Walking is my salvation. Have enjoyed a walking commute of +6kms for the last three years. My colleagues think I am nuts but it has been a key to my weightloss.
    Same here. On the upside when I take a different route (due to Pokemon hide outs for instance) colleagues that I meet along the way ask did I walk, or was I away for work :)
    Love that part of the social aspect.
    It has also changed the way I look at going into town or anywhere else. We now tend to walk to the in-laws which is about a 45 min walk. Much better than taking the car
  • PKM0515
    PKM0515 Posts: 3,089 Member
    I want so much to walk. Daily. But dogs used to bite me, and I worry about dogs while walking. I actually lost count of how many times I was bitten from age 8.2 until 17. Admittedly, the last time I was bitten was 50 years ago, but the fear is still exasperating. My husband says I can carry his dog spray, but where's the guarantee that the wind won't blow it back in my face instead?

    I finally did walk a mile a couple weeks ago, but it was disastrous, as far as any peace while doing it. Right now, I can't drive to a park or to the waterfront (cataracts; operation sometime in Sept-Oct).

    Any suggestions, other than, "Oh, get over it!"

    Codilee87 had great ideas! I love walking/hiking outside (so peaceful, depending on where), but Leslie Sansone's "Walk Away the Pounds" DVDs are a nice indoor alternative. I know that wasn't what you were asking, but if exercising/moving more is a goal, these can be very helpful. :)
  • RainaProske
    RainaProske Posts: 636 Member
    ^^^Thank you!
  • Codilee87
    Codilee87 Posts: 509 Member
    I'm with ya on the walking, it's the only exercise I do, and if you walk enough you can burn quite a few calories. I try and aim for 20-25,000 steps a day which equals around 15kms.

    That's a great goal for me to work up to :smile: Right now though, both of my kids are way too small to keep up for even a 1k walk and my dog has a hip injury so she doesn't like walking too long either. Whenever I get the chance to go solo though I always wind up doing at least 4-6k
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    Codilee87 wrote: »
    I would look into finding a therapy dog that you can visit to help you get over your (very rational) fears. Maybe a cuddly old Golden Retriever who you can visit (and even take for walks eventually) would boost your confidence levels.

    Start small, maybe drive (let someone else drive, that is) around your neighborhood and find out who has dogs, who leaves their dogs out in the yard and try to map out a walking route to avoid crossing too close to them.

    Walk with a friend or family member who can help take your mind off of it and will let dog walkers know to give you some space.

    Find an indoor walking/running track where you can go any time, no dogs allowed.

    That's all I got, hope it helps.

    Thank you, @Codilee87 ! Great suggestions!

    Both my daughter and son have dogs, but they don't freak me out, until they jump on me. They very rarely do that anymore, but I am still always on guard with them, not even petting them. And admittedly, too, I freak out when they get near the human food.

    My husband does walk with me when we go to a park or into the mountains. It's just that sometimes, I want to break out alone, just to stretch my wings re dealing with dogs. I probably should just be content with walking with him, until I get my cataract surgery. That's the problem, too with indoor walking: I need a ride.

    Thank you. You are making me think! That's appreciated!

    Don't forget animals can smell fear :wink: If there's 10 people and a 1 dog in the room, i bet the dog would single out the one person who's scared of him.
  • RainaProske
    RainaProske Posts: 636 Member
    edited July 2016

    Don't forget animals can smell fear :wink: If there's 10 people and a 1 dog in the room, i bet the dog would single out the one person who's scared of him.

    They do! They do! And while some have decided to punish me by biting, others of them seem intent on MAKING ME like them!!

    I watch Animal Planet A LOT in order to make me like dogs more productively -- especially that show, Pit Bulls and Paroles. This helps.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member

    Don't forget animals can smell fear :wink: If there's 10 people and a 1 dog in the room, i bet the dog would single out the one person who's scared of him.

    They do! They do! And while some have decided to punish me by biting, others of them seem intent on MAKING ME like them!!

    LOL so true :lol: I WILL make you love me human!!
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    Codilee87 wrote: »
    I'm with ya on the walking, it's the only exercise I do, and if you walk enough you can burn quite a few calories. I try and aim for 20-25,000 steps a day which equals around 15kms.

    That's a great goal for me to work up to :smile: Right now though, both of my kids are way too small to keep up for even a 1k walk and my dog has a hip injury so she doesn't like walking too long either. Whenever I get the chance to go solo though I always wind up doing at least 4-6k

    Do you have a bike? Chuck your kids and dog into one of these:

    6pknjdotsdo3.jpg

    OR

    bb1raab27eml.jpg

    Walking at kids pace is mighty frustrating and doesn't do much for your fitness lol

  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    edited July 2016
    I want so much to walk. Daily. But dogs used to bite me, and I worry about dogs while walking. I actually lost count of how many times I was bitten from age 8.2 until 17. Admittedly, the last time I was bitten was 50 years ago, but the fear is still exasperating. My husband says I can carry his dog spray, but where's the guarantee that the wind won't blow it back in my face instead?

    I finally did walk a mile a couple weeks ago, but it was disastrous, as far as any peace while doing it. Right now, I can't drive to a park or to the waterfront (cataracts; operation sometime in Sept-Oct).

    Any suggestions, other than, "Oh, get over it!"

    "Walk at Home" - these are walking style videos/DVDs. I live in he midwest & use these when it's too cold, or there's too much snow and ice.

    https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=Youtube+Jessica+Smith+Tv+Walks&hspart=att&hsimp=yhs-att_001

    www.youtube.com/user/walkathomemedia

    Check your library for DVDs - most of the "Just Walk" videos will give you a music only option.
  • RainaProske
    RainaProske Posts: 636 Member
    edited July 2016
    I'm checking into these, @TeaBea . I'll be using these or something like them sometimes, when I can't get out.
  • uniquewrapz
    uniquewrapz Posts: 160 Member
    I walk almost every day, for at least 3-4 miles. I prefer to walk first thing in the morning, It's REALLY helped my stress level and sets the tone for the day for me! I have not lost any weight (yes, I am logging in all my food too) but I do feel I have lost inches.

    I have tried to run but recently I have just decided not to fight it anymore. I love to walk. It's a great workout. I don't need to run to get a good workout and it's better on my joints.

    Nice to find this group!
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    I walk almost every day, for at least 3-4 miles. I prefer to walk first thing in the morning, It's REALLY helped my stress level and sets the tone for the day for me! I have not lost any weight (yes, I am logging in all my food too) but I do feel I have lost inches.

    I have tried to run but recently I have just decided not to fight it anymore. I love to walk. It's a great workout. I don't need to run to get a good workout and it's better on my joints.

    Nice to find this group!

    I wish i could find the energy to exercise or even just walk first thing in the morning. My legs are like heavy weights for 2-3 hours after i wake up, i walk at sloth speed for my first round of laps in the am.
  • meritage4
    meritage4 Posts: 1,441 Member
    Just a thought for the gal who wants to walk but worries about dogs. What about walking with poles? Dogs often find them intimidating. And they do offer some protection.
  • Dragons1997
    Dragons1997 Posts: 38 Member
    I get up at 5:50am and leave the house around 6:00am and go walk 5 miles for almost 2 hours than come back and get ready for work and so far I'm down almost 5 pounds