Is This Like my Dr said - Worthless Exercise!?

I haven't had the stamina to read through all the comments back to you; and I know I will get upset. Screw the exercise benefits -being outdoors where ever, you are - city coast or countryside - is mentally and spiritually beneficial! It is a bonus that you are moving. Stick to walking honey! Being outside is brilliant!

http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/spending-time-outdoors-is-good-for-you
http://physicalliving.com/nature-deficit-disorder-the-top-10-reasons-to-go-outside/

T x

Hi PrincessLynn!

About 5 years ago, I went to the Dr. and my blood pressure was 140/90 or borderline high. I started walking .9 miles a day (about 14 minutes total) and changed nothing else. My blood pressure was normal and has stayed normal since. Not only that, the walk helped get me started on being more physically active overall. Now I hike regularly (my longest was 18 miles!) and work out at a gym. Now that you are walking to and from work, maybe on your way home you can add a little distance to make your walk longer or maybe add a walk at lunch too. Keep the faith and keep going!

Polly

I agree with that.. i am currently taking short walks during my lunch and afternoon break every little bit counts... without some of these walks i would absoulty do nothing b/c i work so much... So keep doing what you are you doing, if it makes you feel good about your self then keep up the good work..

anything that gets you moving is classed as excercise in my eyes! even if its just walking up the stairs and back down. your still moving and using your muscles! like you said you used to sit aorund all day, and now your walking to work which is a 12 minute walk - soo yes it is excercise! ignore what the doctors say - they probably class excercise as running a marathon everyday or something like that! you carry on with what your down and take no notice of the Dr.

If you haven't been consistent with any type of activity, I think this is a great start. Work up to more walking as you can, and while you walk try to walk a little faster, not just a leisurely stroll. We have to start somewhere, and just developing the habit tomove more in general is a good one. Good for you, for making a change!

bump

It sounds like you need a new doctor. I disturbs me that he can't see the benefit of you walking to work after not doing any exercise at all. He should be encouraging you to walk to work and then encourage you to do more if you can.

I've also read that you don't need to do your 30 minutes of exercise in one shot to see the benefits. If it takes you 12 minutes each way, then all you would need is a 6 minute walk on your lunch to make up your 30. Definitely try to get a lunchtime walk in. My mom does it and not only does it give her some exercise but she doesn't get that afternoon slump.

And definitely find yourself a new doctor. He doesn't sound very supportive at all.

You're doing great! You're making a great choice every day, how could it not not be beneficial to your mental and physical health?
Keep up the good work!

First, I will say that it is not worthless. My doctor has read studies that say as little as 10-15 minutes of cardio a day can help.
However, it can only replace exercise if you do it at the same pace you would do normal exercise. Of course, my doctor also says that, as someone who has a history of obesity, I'm likely going to have to be out there exercising 5-6 days a week if I want to change things. The longer I spend on this journey to living healthy, the more I see the truth of what he says. (Though this doesn't stop me resenting him for it.)

That said, walking to work should not be seen as a replacement for 3-5 workouts a week - 3 being the minimum - of 30+ minutes of exercise. Ideally, that number should be 45+ minutes but 30 is pretty good and more realistic. I know it seems like a lot and I know we all can find lots of good reasons not to do it but regular exercise is an essential part of living a healthy life. And living a healthy life is probably the reason you signed up for this site.

The one thing I've learned from this getting healthier stuff is that the time required for exercise looks worse than it is. The days that I do go out and spend 30, 45, 60 minutes exercising, I wind up feeling so good afterwards that I don't feel like I've really lost much time at all. In fact, my day goes better and I get more done because I'm not battling the lethargy that comes with not moving much.

Your doctor is a wanker. That's not to say he/she isn't right that you can always do more, as above poster said, it's a great start and anything is better than nothing! It's all in the delivery of the message. His/her "bedside" manner is obviously lacking.

I totally agree!!!! Some activity is better than no activity! Good for you for taking the walk instead of driving.

Since I have been very unactive, my doctor recommended me starting out with 10-15 minute excercises a few times a day. Obviously as I become fitter, that will change but I think that is a great lifestyle change for you to make! I also think your doctor is nuts for telling you that it is worthless.