I just walk - that's ok, right?
Replies
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Walking is better than not working out for sure, however, it is not optimal. And many of these statements such as "walking does more for your legs than squats" are blatantly false.
Adding resistance workouts and some small doses of more intense cardio will improve your health, fitness, and body composition more than just walking. Sorry there is just tons of research to support this.
That being said if walking is what you want to do then it is a much better choice than nothing, and not a waste of time.
Agree with @GottaBurnEmAll.
Walking is 100% optimal.
Where's links to the peer reviewed articles to back up your claims?
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Walking is one of my favourite forms of exercise with the only downside being you have to spend a long time doing to really rack up the calories burnt if you're trying to lose weight (as I am). That's why I started my fitness journey with a lot of walking, increasing the duration and pace before starting the C25K running programme. Now I get most of my exercise from running and cycling but still like to through in the occasional hike as well.1
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On days that I do not do interval training, I don't jog but do a quick 30 min brisk walk. It is just as effective. I only do interval training because it just feels good to run really fast.
As you may already know, and others have said here, weight loss is not only about "working out". You need to:
1) drop your calorie intake and
2) do aerobic activity that will help metabolize the fat that your body has stored.
For #1, MFP has a great calorie tracker (which is why I joined!) and for #2, just look up what your Target Heart Rate should be for your age and make sure you walk in that zone for at least 20 minutes. Here is a link to check your THR from the American Heart Institute.
Good luck!
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I've heard it said that if your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise . But seriously, nothing wrong with "just" walking as a primary form of exercise. Basically all I do and since I've been motivated to do it regularly, I've lost more than 40 lbs without the knee soreness I would get when I tried to run regularly. I would advise to include some strength training as well though. Easy enough to do at home without a big investment in equipment. Best of luck to you and your dog!
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Walking is better than not working out for sure, however, it is not optimal. And many of these statements such as "walking does more for your legs than squats" are blatantly false.
Adding resistance workouts and some small doses of more intense cardio will improve your health, fitness, and body composition more than just walking. Sorry there is just tons of research to support this.
That being said if walking is what you want to do then it is a much better choice than nothing, and not a waste of time.
Agree with @GottaBurnEmAll.
Walking is 100% optimal.
Where's links to the peer reviewed articles to back up your claims?
You are really going to ask me for peer reviewed articles that adding resistance workouts and some high intensity cardio is more effective. There is tons of research on this subject and I am not going to spend the time to look it up.
To be clear walking is fine I said it is far better than not exercising. It is not the best use of time or the most optimal for health and fitness. Sorry to interrupt the big pat each other on the back session with a little fact. Clearly it isn't wanted here. Cary on with the congratulations.
1 -
Walking is better than not working out for sure, however, it is not optimal. And many of these statements such as "walking does more for your legs than squats" are blatantly false.
Adding resistance workouts and some small doses of more intense cardio will improve your health, fitness, and body composition more than just walking. Sorry there is just tons of research to support this.
That being said if walking is what you want to do then it is a much better choice than nothing, and not a waste of time.
Agree with @GottaBurnEmAll.
Walking is 100% optimal.
Where's links to the peer reviewed articles to back up your claims?
You are really going to ask me for peer reviewed articles that adding resistance workouts and some high intensity cardio is more effective. There is tons of research on this subject and I am not going to spend the time to look it up.
To be clear walking is fine I said it is far better than not exercising. It is not the best use of time or the most optimal for health and fitness. Sorry to interrupt the big pat each other on the back session with a little fact. Clearly it isn't wanted here. Cary on with the congratulations.
Yeah, high intensity being superior to low intensity is a myth.
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/fat-loss-hiit-steady-state-cardio
It comes down to preference.
I will agree that adding two days of some form of strength training a week is optimal, but that can be anything from bodyweight exercises to powerlifting.
But the worst thing of all is your attitude. Exercise snobbery sucks.8 -
Walking is better than not working out for sure, however, it is not optimal. And many of these statements such as "walking does more for your legs than squats" are blatantly false.
Adding resistance workouts and some small doses of more intense cardio will improve your health, fitness, and body composition more than just walking. Sorry there is just tons of research to support this.
That being said if walking is what you want to do then it is a much better choice than nothing, and not a waste of time.
Agree with @GottaBurnEmAll.
Walking is 100% optimal.
Where's links to the peer reviewed articles to back up your claims?
You are really going to ask me for peer reviewed articles that adding resistance workouts and some high intensity cardio is more effective. There is tons of research on this subject and I am not going to spend the time to look it up.
To be clear walking is fine I said it is far better than not exercising. It is not the best use of time or the most optimal for health and fitness. Sorry to interrupt the big pat each other on the back session with a little fact. Clearly it isn't wanted here. Cary on with the congratulations.
So it's a one size fits all prescription without regard to context? One particular workout routine would be "optimal" for an obese 65-year old woman who's never worked out in her life, a 22-year old aspiring bodybuilder and a 30-year old, extremely lean cyclist looking to improve his times on the bike?
"Optimal" is something that can be achieved in phases and workout routines should be geared to one's abilities, limitations and goals. I'd have a pretty hard time with the advice that an obese beginner with no fitness background should be out doing hill sprints. There are many people who are so sedentary and out of shape that even walking a mile a day would be a huge improvement for their current health/fitness levels.
Context is important.6 -
I am encouraged and will go take my dog for a walk in 30 minutes after reading this. It is raining outside but I have a rain jacket! My dog does too!7
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DeniceDavis1 wrote: »I am encouraged and will go take my dog for a walk in 30 minutes after reading this. It is raining outside but I have a rain jacket! My dog does too!
Do eet! Your dog will be grateful too!! I walk my dog everyday rain or shine!! I live in San Diego, CA, so rain is sparse! LOL1 -
Walking is better than not working out for sure, however, it is not optimal. And many of these statements such as "walking does more for your legs than squats" are blatantly false.
Adding resistance workouts and some small doses of more intense cardio will improve your health, fitness, and body composition more than just walking. Sorry there is just tons of research to support this.
That being said if walking is what you want to do then it is a much better choice than nothing, and not a waste of time.
Agree with @GottaBurnEmAll.
Walking is 100% optimal.
Where's links to the peer reviewed articles to back up your claims?
You are really going to ask me for peer reviewed articles that adding resistance workouts and some high intensity cardio is more effective. There is tons of research on this subject and I am not going to spend the time to look it up.
To be clear walking is fine I said it is far better than not exercising. It is not the best use of time or the most optimal for health and fitness. Sorry to interrupt the big pat each other on the back session with a little fact. Clearly it isn't wanted here. Cary on with the congratulations.
So it's a one size fits all prescription without regard to context? One particular workout routine would be "optimal" for an obese 65-year old woman who's never worked out in her life, a 22-year old aspiring bodybuilder and a 30-year old, extremely lean cyclist looking to improve his times on the bike?
"Optimal" is something that can be achieved in phases and workout routines should be geared to one's abilities, limitations and goals. I'd have a pretty hard time with the advice that an obese beginner with no fitness background should be out doing hill sprints. There are many people who are so sedentary and out of shape that even walking a mile a day would be a huge improvement for their current health/fitness levels.
Context is important.
This right here is a good post. Read it. Live it. Love it.8 -
OP quite honestly your approach to this is the correct one and the best for long term success. Browse through the success stories and you will find several people who have lost over 100 lbs from walking and monitoring their intake. Far too many people go for the "optimum" workout and diet, which is fine for a short term, but no one can stick with this long term and this results in the yo-yo effect. Long term success comes from making small positive changes which will have a dramatic impact over time. Who knows, walking could develop into something more.
Just keep the momentum going and see where it leads you.3 -
Walking is better than not working out for sure, however, it is not optimal. And many of these statements such as "walking does more for your legs than squats" are blatantly false.
Adding resistance workouts and some small doses of more intense cardio will improve your health, fitness, and body composition more than just walking. Sorry there is just tons of research to support this.
That being said if walking is what you want to do then it is a much better choice than nothing, and not a waste of time.
Agree with @GottaBurnEmAll.
Walking is 100% optimal.
Where's links to the peer reviewed articles to back up your claims?
You are really going to ask me for peer reviewed articles that adding resistance workouts and some high intensity cardio is more effective. There is tons of research on this subject and I am not going to spend the time to look it up.
To be clear walking is fine I said it is far better than not exercising. It is not the best use of time or the most optimal for health and fitness. Sorry to interrupt the big pat each other on the back session with a little fact. Clearly it isn't wanted here. Cary on with the congratulations.
Whoa...I'm not quite sure what to say to the bold part.....
You made the claims, therefore the onus is on you to provide backup. Surely you have some peer reviewed articles to share.
To be clear, your facts are not correct. There are multitudes of people in excellent health who walk every single day, maintain their weight, and do very well.
I can't wait to take my 88 year old great-uncle weight lifting with me.....you know, the one who walks every day and is in great shape.
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DeniceDavis1 wrote: »I am encouraged and will go take my dog for a walk in 30 minutes after reading this. It is raining outside but I have a rain jacket! My dog does too!
Like this?
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I power walked 6 miles every day for 11months and lost 119lbs. 7 years ago. I also changed eating habits.4
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Add or invite me everyone. For some reason I can't add on my phone.0
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GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »Walking is better than not working out for sure, however, it is not optimal. And many of these statements such as "walking does more for your legs than squats" are blatantly false.
Adding resistance workouts and some small doses of more intense cardio will improve your health, fitness, and body composition more than just walking. Sorry there is just tons of research to support this.
That being said if walking is what you want to do then it is a much better choice than nothing, and not a waste of time.
How is the tone of this post helpful?
Exercise snobbery puts a lot of people off any form of exercise.
OP, please ignore this.
Let me share my story.
I have psoriatic arthritis, degenerative arthritis, and fibromyalgia. I was 210 pounds and sedentary for years. I was using a cane. I finally had enough and decided to change my life. I, a chronic exercise hater, decided that I was going to get off my butt and start walking. I had always liked just walking.
I took my cane and hobbled down to the corner. I did it again the next day. And the next. Eventually I walked 1/4 mile. Eventually that became a half a mile. Eventually, I no longer needed the cane. Eventually it was a full mile.
Then I started playing games. I decided that I'd walk faster between these two telephone poles and normal pace for the next three and repeat.
Then my walks grew to two miles.
Before I knew it, I was walking 5 miles a day. Eventually, my pace sped up so that I had gone from hobbling with a cane to walking 4 mph.
All this time, I was dieting. As I felt lighter, I felt more fit, and the weather had changed. I had joined a gym to walk indoors on a treadmill. Oh!!! Shiny things to play with. I started working with weights because I wanted to strengthen the muscles that supported my bad joints.
When the weather turned nice again, I decided I wanted to run. I started C25K. By the time Thanksgiving rolled around, I ran a 5K Turkey Trot.
I'm now 117 pounds and run every day.
All of this started because I decided I was "just going to walk".
This may or may not happen for you. It doesn't have to. Walking has many benefits. I still do a great deal of it every day. It keeps my joints from stiffening up. It helps me sort through life's little problems. It's the best mood lifter there is (well, that and running).
Don't ever feel you're "just" walking.
Best post ever.
I love walking, too, and walk for hours. It's good for your body, good for your soul, you're not likely to get injured, and if you walk outside you might discover some incredible new places and people. Plus it's good for your dog. 5 -
I walked off 20kg, if you are worried it is not working, eventually change the distance, the terrain or the speed. Cutting food intake sensibly and moving are the most important things for weight loss. Do what you enjoy or else you risk losing interest and giving up. If you need motivation check out this FB page Hiking with Dogs.
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I read that walking/hiking outdoors is not only good for you and your dog physically but mentally. I exercise on the treadmill during the week after work then on the weekends when I go home I take my dog out for hikes. We both enjoy it and it's just good to get out in nature and just enjoy. Keep doing what your doing.3
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Walking 30 minutes 5x a week gets you out of the sedentary classification according to ACSM. If you want to get fit, you need to add 30 minutes 5x a week, where you actually sweat.0
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GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »Walking is better than not working out for sure, however, it is not optimal. And many of these statements such as "walking does more for your legs than squats" are blatantly false.
Adding resistance workouts and some small doses of more intense cardio will improve your health, fitness, and body composition more than just walking. Sorry there is just tons of research to support this.
That being said if walking is what you want to do then it is a much better choice than nothing, and not a waste of time.
Agree with @GottaBurnEmAll.
Walking is 100% optimal.
Where's links to the peer reviewed articles to back up your claims?
You are really going to ask me for peer reviewed articles that adding resistance workouts and some high intensity cardio is more effective. There is tons of research on this subject and I am not going to spend the time to look it up.
To be clear walking is fine I said it is far better than not exercising. It is not the best use of time or the most optimal for health and fitness. Sorry to interrupt the big pat each other on the back session with a little fact. Clearly it isn't wanted here. Cary on with the congratulations.
Yeah, high intensity being superior to low intensity is a myth.
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/fat-loss-hiit-steady-state-cardio
It comes down to preference.
I will agree that adding two days of some form of strength training a week is optimal, but that can be anything from bodyweight exercises to powerlifting.
But the worst thing of all is your attitude. Exercise snobbery sucks.
Amen to that.
I walk and lift. 3 -
I have 5 dogs & take them to dog park 5 days/wk for 1-2hrs & I walk around almost the whole time. We go for walks on weekends & some evenings.0
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If you love walking then continue. I love walking and prefer it over other forms of transportation if everything is in close proximity.
As a form of exercise it definitely counts you just have to be honest about the calorie burn.
You have the added benefit of being outside with the stress reduction oh and you are with your dog another added bonus! Keeping the friend healthy and longer living to enjoy that companionship.
Our nomadic ancestors walked all day every day and the list goes on; just so many good reasons to walk!
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As long as you are in a calorie deficit, you will lose weight. Walking helps you burn off some of the calories you eat, so of course you can lose weight by walking (and eating less).0
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I started walking for exercise on March 28 2015, the day i got my fitbit And i have barely missed a day since, it's still the only exercise i do. I really enjoy it and know it's something I'm not going to quit. 1
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