Walking to lose weight

ashlied84 · September 2016

So I've been logging and watching every single thing I eat for almost 2 months now (56th day of logging today) and I'm down 17lbs. And I haven't been working out at all. In fact I suck at it. But I want to start walking 30-60 min a day and maybe work into other workouts. But my question is has anyone had good results from just walking??

LaReinaDeCorazones · September 2016

I had before...lost A LOT of weight, at least 40 lbs....but quit watching what I ate. Now I mainly just walk, but I'm averaging 10,000-12,500+ steps a day.

MommyMeggo · September 2016

Weight is lost in the kitchen. That is where the bulk of your deficit comes from.
I walk on my 15 minute breaks and my hour lunch M-F. Its working for me. But I do it not for a greater loss on the scale but because my job keeps me on my butt all day.

Exercise can increase the deficit, no question. But any burn is dependent on the variables of time and effort.
Walking is great for cardiovascular health among other benefits over being sedentary. For many people walking is their only form of exercise. And it works!
Keep logging- congrats on your 56 day streak and adding in some movement will only help.

So, walk it out.

kgirlhart · September 2016

I lost 60 pounds and walking is my main form of exercise. I have also started doing some yoga but I had already lost about 20 pounds when I added the yoga. The most important thing you need is a calorie deficit. But I would recommend walking because it is really good for you in so many ways.

smiles4jo · September 2016

I’m currently 250+ days into this change and I’ve lost 55 lbs. In the same amount of time, hubby has lost almost 100!

We have walked almost every single day since we started. If you’d asked me two weeks ago, I would have said “Maybe?” But, in the last two weeks, we have stopped walking (long story) and the scale WILL NOT MOVE. Logically, I know that it’s because we’re eating the same as we used to and not burning as many calories. So, we could just reduce our calories and continue not walking, but I wanna eat!

So, no, you don’t have to walk (or do any exercise), but it does give you a bit of a buffer for a bit of extra food.

Colorscheme · September 2016

Walking burns calories, so yes. I like to do it because as the poster above me said, it allows me to eat more.

ogtmama · September 2016

I couldn't have lost my weight without walking. It made it possible to eat a reasonable amount while still maintaining a good deficit.

CasperNaegle · September 2016

As you are learning losing weight is more about what you eat and how much. So adding walking will also add some calorie burn, but not a ton. You are on the right path and I suggest you keep going.

sinman0531 · September 2016

Working as a dog trainer, training 10-20 dogs a day, I walked maybe 6-7 miles 5 days a week. I could literally eat anything I wanted and I lost 7 inches in 6 months

jadorade91 · September 2016

It's encouraging to read about how walking still produces results! I tend to feel like I have to go lift weights or do a Turbofire class or something to get real results...It's nice to know that doing something I like (walking) can still be beneficial!

hcumplido · September 2016

I have a 1200 calorie limit, so I walk 3-5 miles a day so that I have calories for a bigger dinner & coffee add ins. Or it helps offset any inaccurate logging. I do moderate pace (3.5mph) and it takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. It helps with my mood and stress, so it helps with emotional eating. I recommend using the MapMyFitness app, which you can sync to MFP. I've lost almost 40 lbs this way.

kshama2001 · September 2016

I tend to be sluggish winter and fall, but last fall resolved to walk every day at lunch time (except if it was raining hard) no matter how cold it was. (I'm in Massachusetts.) This was great for me. I was more energized and productive in the afternoon at work, and my energy carried over into the evening. Instead of being a coach potato, I was able to go to the gym or do yoga a few nights per week.

I walk less in the spring, as it is gardening season, and the summer, due to the heat, and am really enjoying the cooler weather and walking again.

trigden1991 · September 2016

Whenever I enter a "dieting" phase, I increase my steps significantly. Never lower than 10k, aim for 20k during the week and then longer hikes at the weekend. This combined with a calorie deficit created with diet is very efficient.

nowine4me · September 2016

Walking keeps me busy and out of the kitchen for an hour after supper, when I'm most likely to snack. So yes, it burns calories -- but it's also a good way to occupy your time.

MissusMoon · September 2016

I started with walking and it's still a huge part of my routine. I walk two miles with my dog every single morning, and because of joint issues my gym cardio is almost always treadmill walking at a faster pace, close to 4mph for an hour. I've lost 91lbs with mostly walking as my exercise (and diligent logging). I think that says it all.

Angierae75 · September 2016

For me, walking means I can eat more, which means I can stick with my eating plan better. So it definitely helps.

ejbronte · September 2016

Another walking enthusiast, desk job, short, and 57 years old, so calorie allowance is lowish, even at maintenance. Luckily, I work in NYC, where the street pace is brisk and so are my lunch-hour "strolls".

Grankakes · September 2016

YES! a few years ago, i walked 3 miles every day and 5 miles each saturday and sunday. i lost 30 pounds in about 6 months and didn't really change my diet. of course, i fell off the wagon, and am just now trying to get the walking thing back to be a habit - along with changing my eating as well. YES! walking works!

llbrixon · September 2016

I started weight journey Nov 2015, I did follow calories to lose the weight. All I did was walk and I lost the weight. I lost 40 pounds. Walking got my legs limber and strong but I am finding that I need to do some arm exercises and some belly exercises to build up the muscles.

CoffeeNCardio · September 2016

llbrixon wrote: »

I started weight journey Nov 2015, I did follow calories to lose the weight. All I did was walk and I lost the weight. I lost 40 pounds. Walking got my legs limber and strong but I am finding that I need to do some arm exercises and some belly exercises to build up the muscles.

This^

PinkPixiexox · September 2016

You've had fantastic results WITHOUT walking - so of course you're going to continue to see fantastic results once you add walking to your routine! It's not all about weight loss, heart health is just as important so think what favours you will be doing your general well-being by having those regular walks! Good for you. And well done

daniip_la · September 2016

I've lost 70lbs so far, walking is my only form of exercise.

daz2270 · September 2016

I'm a big fan. Low impact, easy to do, stress relieving and burns calories. Very under-rated IMO.

juliebowman4 · September 2016

For the most part, walking is the only exercise I get.
'Calories out' is calories out, no matter how you achieve them. Some 'calories out' methods (like running or serious swimming or rowing) will allow for faster/more 'calories out' ...but I never begrudge my 30-60 minute walk. It allows me extra calories and is good for my body.

rhondamacleod1958 · September 2016

I walk. It costs nothing, and I find I do my best "thinking" when I walk. Once I got in a daily routine, 30 minutes at lunch and 30 minutes after dinner, I looked forward to getting outside. Often the walk in the evening very easily extends itself to 60 minutes with out any extra effort.

D_squareG · September 2016

I'm 60 and struggled with my weight all my life. I always thought of fitness as all or nothing. If I couldn't run a marathon, I may as well sit on my butt. What I wish I had realized earlier in life was that all exercise is good for you. Just move! Don't worry about what it does for your weight. Your calories consumed determine weight. Do it for your flexibility, strength, endurance, and to feel good. When you are 60 you want to be able to travel and enjoy life. That is why you exercise. So you can move your body!

BridgetHarrington · September 2016

rhondamacleod1958 wrote: »

I walk. It costs nothing, and I find I do my best "thinking" when I walk. Once I got in a daily routine, 30 minutes at lunch and 30 minutes after dinner, I looked forward to getting outside. Often the walk in the evening very easily extends itself to 60 minutes with out any extra effort.

Totally relate! I used to be a runner, until I busted my MCL. I can still run short distances, but only if I tape the hell out of my knee. I can walk very fast, though, and I love it! That's pretty much my only exercise, because I have a desk job, and after work, I'm constantly running somewhere (errands, kid stuff). And it's my stress relief. If someone at work, my boyfriend or my kid pissed me off, I go for a long walk. I work it off and think it out.

It burns 200-300 calories at the speed and length I do it, and it's been working. I'm down almost 15 pounds in a month and a half. I've been walking for years, and I gained the weight I have to lose (25 pounds) because I stopped watching what I ate. I also have a friend who is very overweight - about 150 pounds to lose. She isn't even 30 yet, and she got a wake-up call at her physical for work -- she is diabetic (no family history) and has very high BP and cholesterol. She is not an exerciser and initially didn't have the stamina for anything but walking, and her doctor said to try even 10 minutes a day....just move....so she did that. She's lost 45+ pounds now and has enough energy to start doing weight training and wants to try Zumba.

So yes, it is absolutely a legitimate exercise/

cathyjewell84 · September 2016

I've been walking everyday for almost 2months now, haven't weighed myself yet but i can feel and see a big difference so far!!

rsclause · September 2016

I am a runner now but I started by walking. Walking did work for me but due to time constraints I found that running was more effective. Walking is so good for you too, it will give you more energy after you make it a habit and build up some strength. Do it!