Cons of walking?
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RoyBeck
Posts: 947 Member
Due to being off work and starting my latest (Hopefully final!) Loss journey I'm walking around 6 miles a day. This is intentional exercise in addition to the normal day to day activity ie school drop off/pick ups. Today I walked 8 miles (19000 steps)
I know the pros but there arent any negatives are there?
I know the pros but there arent any negatives are there?
1
Replies
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Zip.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4481680/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9577253/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20704006/
https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/walking/12-benefits-of-walking
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/why-walking-most-underrated-form-exercise-ncna797271
https://www.consumerreports.org/exercise-fitness/benefits-of-walking/3 -
Don't think there can be any negatives
unless you plan on doing excess miles every single day, which is what I did a few years ago and burned myself out not to mention my poor heels and feet were suffering too (had to let go of my step tracker eventually because I couldn't stand to see less than 20k+ steps a day) 2 -
You might encounter people.
Ugh.46 -
For me the health con is that my knees are worn out from being heavy for so long climbing stairs so I have to be careful on inclines. If you have a lot of weight to lose and you are climbing hills I suggest being proactive and get knee supports.
I think the main con that most people run into though is boredom. To fight this I do the following:
1) Listen to a book
2) Listen to music
3)Walk with others
4)Walk the dog
5)Walk other places
A lot of my walking happens pre-dawn so walking other places is usually a weekend thing and not even every weekend. Besides that I finally live in a neighborhood that is GREAT for walking and there is something to be said for passing your own house every mile. In the course of a 90 minute walk you can get cooler, warmer, wetter, or just need to visit a facility.8 -
LivingtheLeanDream wrote: »Don't think there can be any negatives unless you plan on doing excess miles every single day, which is what I did a few years ago and burned myself out not to mention my poor heels and feet were suffering too (had to let go of my step tracker eventually because I couldn't stand to see less than 20k+ steps a day)
Oh yeah... the other con is how much more shoes and socks cost and how fast you wear out shoes once your average stays over 10k. Don't be fooled by shoes supposedly designed to be "walking" shoes. In this country that just means it is possible to walk in them. It doesn't actually mean they are designed for exercise.
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As long as you're not feeling any pain/extreme soreness, then there's no real cons.
I love walking, but I usually only do long walks every other day, because my knees get pretty sore if I do multiple days in a row. But, if you're not having that problem, then go for it.2 -
Other than some external factors (not everyone feels safe walking in every area, for example), the only downside would be walking too much for your fitness level and potentially injuring yourself. But if you're paying attention to how you feel, taking rest days as needed, and increasing your miles at a reasonable pace, your risk will be low.7
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LivingtheLeanDream wrote: »Don't think there can be any negatives unless you plan on doing excess miles every single day, which is what I did a few years ago and burned myself out not to mention my poor heels and feet were suffering too (had to let go of my step tracker eventually because I couldn't stand to see less than 20k+ steps a day)
Oh yeah... the other con is how much more shoes and socks cost and how fast you wear out shoes once your average stays over 10k. Don't be fooled by shoes supposedly designed to be "walking" shoes. In this country that just means it is possible to walk in them. It doesn't actually mean they are designed for exercise.
I can buy a lot of shoes vs the cost of poor cardiac health.15 -
Theoldguy1 wrote: »LivingtheLeanDream wrote: »Don't think there can be any negatives unless you plan on doing excess miles every single day, which is what I did a few years ago and burned myself out not to mention my poor heels and feet were suffering too (had to let go of my step tracker eventually because I couldn't stand to see less than 20k+ steps a day)
Oh yeah... the other con is how much more shoes and socks cost and how fast you wear out shoes once your average stays over 10k. Don't be fooled by shoes supposedly designed to be "walking" shoes. In this country that just means it is possible to walk in them. It doesn't actually mean they are designed for exercise.
I can buy a lot of shoes vs the cost of poor cardiac health.
How nice for you. Not everyone can. Healthy lifestyle items and food are overpriced because they know we are investing in our wellbeing. Besides that it takes a lot of effort to find the right pair of shoes and not long after you do they replace it with a newer model that sucks.9 -
Theoldguy1 wrote: »LivingtheLeanDream wrote: »Don't think there can be any negatives unless you plan on doing excess miles every single day, which is what I did a few years ago and burned myself out not to mention my poor heels and feet were suffering too (had to let go of my step tracker eventually because I couldn't stand to see less than 20k+ steps a day)
Oh yeah... the other con is how much more shoes and socks cost and how fast you wear out shoes once your average stays over 10k. Don't be fooled by shoes supposedly designed to be "walking" shoes. In this country that just means it is possible to walk in them. It doesn't actually mean they are designed for exercise.
I can buy a lot of shoes vs the cost of poor cardiac health.
How nice for you. Not everyone can. Healthy lifestyle items and food are overpriced because they know we are investing in our wellbeing. Besides that it takes a lot of effort to find the right pair of shoes and not long after you do they replace it with a newer model that sucks.
I jokingly refer to my husband as Goldie locks because of how hard it is for him to find shoes he likes.
Also, I try NOT to purchase items that are designed for “healthy lifestyle” as that simply means they are charging me 200% more than it’s worth 😂 I am very very very frugal 😜2 -
janejellyroll wrote: »Other than some external factors (not everyone feels safe walking in every area, for example), the only downside would be walking too much for your fitness level and potentially injuring yourself. But if you're paying attention to how you feel, taking rest days as needed, and increasing your miles at a reasonable pace, your risk will be low.
^ This. I have in fact injured myself several times (knees) with over-zealous walking. Be sensible out there and don't run yourself ragged, by exceeding a reasonable # of miles or a reasonable pace because you're thinking "it's just walking". With every step you are bringing your body weight down on your joints, it can take a toll if you overdo it and aren't in shape or are bringing too much weight to bear on the joints, or are getting older - or in my case all three when I injured myself LOL8 -
LivingtheLeanDream wrote: »Don't think there can be any negatives unless you plan on doing excess miles every single day, which is what I did a few years ago and burned myself out not to mention my poor heels and feet were suffering too (had to let go of my step tracker eventually because I couldn't stand to see less than 20k+ steps a day)
Oh yeah... the other con is how much more shoes and socks cost and how fast you wear out shoes once your average stays over 10k. Don't be fooled by shoes supposedly designed to be "walking" shoes. In this country that just means it is possible to walk in them. It doesn't actually mean they are designed for exercise.
A walking fitness shoe usually means one that doesn't have an elevated heel like a running shoe. So, for instance, a New Balance 928, which is a walking shoe, provides an absolutely flat surface for your feet, whereas an 880, which is a running shoe, tips your foot forward about 10 mm.
I actually prefer running shoes for walking. My walking shoe of choice, the NB 990v5, isn't classified as a "running" shoe (it's a "lifestyle" shoe, whatever that means), but the heel is elevated 12 mm and you can really feel the difference. I have Achilles tendon issues, which are nearly 100 % absent when I use the 990v5s, for the same reason that walking downhill is easier on ankles than walking uphill - less stretch on the tendon.
My only point being that 'walking' shoe isn't just marketing, it s a design thing. At least for fitness brands like NB.15 -
brianpperkins131 wrote: »You might encounter people.
Ugh.
Contender for best comment this year.9 -
Theoldguy1 wrote: »LivingtheLeanDream wrote: »Don't think there can be any negatives unless you plan on doing excess miles every single day, which is what I did a few years ago and burned myself out not to mention my poor heels and feet were suffering too (had to let go of my step tracker eventually because I couldn't stand to see less than 20k+ steps a day)
Oh yeah... the other con is how much more shoes and socks cost and how fast you wear out shoes once your average stays over 10k. Don't be fooled by shoes supposedly designed to be "walking" shoes. In this country that just means it is possible to walk in them. It doesn't actually mean they are designed for exercise.
I can buy a lot of shoes vs the cost of poor cardiac health.
How nice for you. Not everyone can. Healthy lifestyle items and food are overpriced because they know we are investing in our wellbeing. Besides that it takes a lot of effort to find the right pair of shoes and not long after you do they replace it with a newer model that sucks.
The CDC recommends 150 minutes a week of moderate cardio a week for health, so 5 day at 30 minutes a day around 2 miles (that could even be broken up into small segments) or less a day for the 5 days. Unless someone has pretty specific issues, special shoes are not needed to walk 2 miles, heck, one could walk that barefoot assuming proper acclimation and surface. Shoes that would work for most people to walk 2 miles are available at Goodwill, or a clothing bank for minimal cost or free if money is an issue.
The cost of heart problems is high
"Dr. Polly Galbraith, vice president and chief medical director at Assurant Employee Benefits, an insurance provider, says the lifetime cost of treating less severe heart attacks can reach $760,000. For a severe heart attack, the cost can reach $1 million. The figures include indirect costs, such as lost productivity, as well as direct costs, such as hospitalization."
https://www.uphelp.org/costs-surviving-cardiovascular-disease-it’s-enough-give-you-heart-attack
Even if 98% of the lifetime cost of a severe heart attack is paid by insurance (please let us know where you find that policy) you're still talking $20k out of pocket which will buy a lot of shoes at Goodwill.
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It takes time and wear proper shoes.1
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Most mornings, I walk 60-70 minutes. Being at a healthy weight as a female with a desk job: this helps me burn enough calories that I can eat 1400-1700 daily and lose gradually at a slight deficit. I enjoy it, and it feels good. I do wear shoes that are fitting for me as a runner - even though I'm not running more than a few minutes here & there. I need strong arch support. 2 pair a year cost me about $250, unless I can find the last year's model on sale and/or get a pair as a Christmas gift.3
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Dogmom1978 wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »LivingtheLeanDream wrote: »Don't think there can be any negatives unless you plan on doing excess miles every single day, which is what I did a few years ago and burned myself out not to mention my poor heels and feet were suffering too (had to let go of my step tracker eventually because I couldn't stand to see less than 20k+ steps a day)
Oh yeah... the other con is how much more shoes and socks cost and how fast you wear out shoes once your average stays over 10k. Don't be fooled by shoes supposedly designed to be "walking" shoes. In this country that just means it is possible to walk in them. It doesn't actually mean they are designed for exercise.
I can buy a lot of shoes vs the cost of poor cardiac health.
How nice for you. Not everyone can. Healthy lifestyle items and food are overpriced because they know we are investing in our wellbeing. Besides that it takes a lot of effort to find the right pair of shoes and not long after you do they replace it with a newer model that sucks.
I jokingly refer to my husband as Goldie locks because of how hard it is for him to find shoes he likes.
Also, I try NOT to purchase items that are designed for “healthy lifestyle” as that simply means they are charging me 200% more than it’s worth 😂 I am very very very frugal 😜
Pretty much the only way I can "interview" shoes now is through Prime Wardrobe or ShoeBacca. To find my recent pair it took trying 16 pairs of shoes. The ones I settled on are not ones I like looking at but it is form over function for me. After finding it I went to a NB outlet store and took advantage of the buy one get half off deals. So I own 3 pairs but one is already been semi-retired to be used for rainy days.
I am barely getting 12 weeks of use out of a pair of shoes currently. Even shopping for deals that is stupid expensive.
Even still I have to use a foot roller.
I was told recently I should look into some expensive inserts. Geez, what is next?0 -
Theoldguy1 wrote: »LivingtheLeanDream wrote: »Don't think there can be any negatives unless you plan on doing excess miles every single day, which is what I did a few years ago and burned myself out not to mention my poor heels and feet were suffering too (had to let go of my step tracker eventually because I couldn't stand to see less than 20k+ steps a day)
Oh yeah... the other con is how much more shoes and socks cost and how fast you wear out shoes once your average stays over 10k. Don't be fooled by shoes supposedly designed to be "walking" shoes. In this country that just means it is possible to walk in them. It doesn't actually mean they are designed for exercise.
I can buy a lot of shoes vs the cost of poor cardiac health.
The thing is, if I want to walk I have to buy the walking shoes TODAY. I have to budget for that. I don't necessarily have poor cardiac health today, that's a deferred consequence.
So while having poor cardiac health may be more expensive in the long run, I hope you can understand how the cost of walking shoes/socks would be a potential con, especially for those who are on a tight budget and aren't currently experiencing health problems related to excess weight.2 -
Theoldguy1 wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »LivingtheLeanDream wrote: »Don't think there can be any negatives unless you plan on doing excess miles every single day, which is what I did a few years ago and burned myself out not to mention my poor heels and feet were suffering too (had to let go of my step tracker eventually because I couldn't stand to see less than 20k+ steps a day)
Oh yeah... the other con is how much more shoes and socks cost and how fast you wear out shoes once your average stays over 10k. Don't be fooled by shoes supposedly designed to be "walking" shoes. In this country that just means it is possible to walk in them. It doesn't actually mean they are designed for exercise.
I can buy a lot of shoes vs the cost of poor cardiac health.
How nice for you. Not everyone can. Healthy lifestyle items and food are overpriced because they know we are investing in our wellbeing. Besides that it takes a lot of effort to find the right pair of shoes and not long after you do they replace it with a newer model that sucks.
The CDC recommends 150 minutes a week of moderate cardio a week for health, so 5 day at 30 minutes a day around 2 miles (that could even be broken up into small segments) or less a day for the 5 days. Unless someone has pretty specific issues, special shoes are not needed to walk 2 miles, heck, one could walk that barefoot assuming proper acclimation and surface. Shoes that would work for most people to walk 2 miles are available at Goodwill, or a clothing bank for minimal cost or free if money is an issue.
The cost of heart problems is high
"Dr. Polly Galbraith, vice president and chief medical director at Assurant Employee Benefits, an insurance provider, says the lifetime cost of treating less severe heart attacks can reach $760,000. For a severe heart attack, the cost can reach $1 million. The figures include indirect costs, such as lost productivity, as well as direct costs, such as hospitalization."
https://www.uphelp.org/costs-surviving-cardiovascular-disease-it’s-enough-give-you-heart-attack
Even if 98% of the lifetime cost of a severe heart attack is paid by insurance (please let us know where you find that policy) you're still talking $20k out of pocket which will buy a lot of shoes at Goodwill.
Did you even read the OP? You are discussing minimums. The OP mentioned 8 miles. My post was meant to be part of the OP's discussion not whatever discussion you are having. Of course, the cons and cost for doing the CDC recommendation are not going to be the same.3 -
brianpperkins131 wrote: »You might encounter people.
Ugh.
I hear you! Even worse, you might encounter people with dogs who do not scoop their poop >.<
I stopped using the main and secondary entrances to my state park. I looked at the map and found a dead end street near the other side of the park. It is exceedingly rare that I encounter someone in that side of the park during the week. When I do see someone, it's generally one of the mountain bikers who made or use the fun tertiary trails that I love, so kindred spirits (except that I don't mountain bike - too risky for me.)1
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