Getting into decent walking shape...suggestions?

MrsLMKing
MrsLMKing Posts: 50 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm a 29-year-old female, 5'7", 245lbs. I've never been very athletic, but I used to be in excellent walking shape...I could walk at a good pace, on and on and on, without getting tired. That's not the case now. I have gotten very out of shape. I don't have any mobility issues or anything...I just get out of breath if I walk too far or too fast these days. Like...I may get a little winded when walking to the store if I park far away in the parking lot (embarrassing but true), but it's not something I can't handle, if that makes sense. Anyway, I want to get back in good walking shape like I once was, if nothing else.

I have a treadmill. Yesterday, I did one mile in just over 34 minutes; I moved the speed on the treadmill up and down from 1mph to 3mph, depending on how I felt. Today, I kept the treadmill at 2mph the whole time and did a mile in exactly 30 minutes. I'm really out of shape, so it was a tough workout. It was hard pushing through, but I was able to do so.

So...what should I strive for next? I'm assuming maybe I should try to do the same workout (30 mins @ 2mph) for another week or so? What should I strive for next? Should I focus on increasing my speed or just walking for a little longer? (Like maybe 40 mins at the same speed?)

Thanks for any tips!

Replies

  • CarlydogsMom
    CarlydogsMom Posts: 645 Member
    Sounds like you want to build up both endurance and pace, so shake it up. Maybe one day, work on speed, so do 30 minutes at 2.2 mph; do that a few times a week, and the other days, do longer walks at a slower pace. There's no hard and fast rule, as long as you keep progressing, you're good. Add an incline to your longer walks is another option. Just keep up the great work, pushing yourself each time, and you'll improve!
  • corinasue1143
    corinasue1143 Posts: 7,464 Member
    Sounds like you're doing great. Seems you've found your true starting point. I think your body will tell you how to progress, you just have
    To tell your body that you ARE going to progress. As you get back into the swing, you will probably naturally speed up a little and be able
    To walk a little longer. Keep walking!
  • MrsLMKing
    MrsLMKing Posts: 50 Member
    Thanks so much for the support and tips, y'all! It was so hard to force myself to do it the past couple of days, but I was so glad I did. I felt so good after! No pain or anything like that, just nice and sweaty.

    I like the tip of moving it up to maybe 2.2mph and slowly moving up on speed but alternating that with slower but longer walks. That sounds perfect, actually!

    Congratulations on all that you have achieved, lorrpb! You're an inspiration!
  • Lean59man
    Lean59man Posts: 714 Member
    Walk a bit today...walk a bit more tomorrow...etc.
  • Tacklewasher
    Tacklewasher Posts: 7,122 Member
    You may enjoy walking outside more than the treadmill. Less of a mental effort. I started on the treadmill watching hockey, so I could go a period (35-40 mins) distracted by the game. Then it was 2 periods etc.

    Other option is get a dog :)

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