Walking and losing weight.
Discussion
Just decided to take up walking as another form of exercise.
Sort of decided when I had to walk 8 miles home during "the big freeze (
)" - it was hard work but not impossible, and although I was absolutely knackered after doing it, I felt good a couple of days later after the feeling in my legs returned 
So are long walks any good for losing weight combined with a better diet, or would I be looking to do something a bit more strenuous to have any effect?
Sort of decided when I had to walk 8 miles home during "the big freeze (
)" - it was hard work but not impossible, and although I was absolutely knackered after doing it, I felt good a couple of days later after the feeling in my legs returned So are long walks any good for losing weight combined with a better diet, or would I be looking to do something a bit more strenuous to have any effect?
The only time I have shed any serious amount of weight (approx 2 stone) was through walking, combined with a substantial drop in my calorie intake, so yes it can work.
I was walking for around 2 - 3 hours per day, 5 - 6 days per week though.
It wasn't through choice - I was seriously skint, so saving on bus fare and food bills, and drinking very little alcohol too.
I was walking for around 2 - 3 hours per day, 5 - 6 days per week though.
It wasn't through choice - I was seriously skint, so saving on bus fare and food bills, and drinking very little alcohol too.
After a heart attack last April I started walking a lot. 3 miles and back to the shops or pub in a nice area 
as well as 8, 10 and 12 mile wanders. The trick is to walk at a speed that gets you hot and breathing fast, not to amble.
That and no snacking and sensible food and one glass of beer or wine a day had the weight tumbling off, not that I was very much over my ideal to start with.
Sadly with the cold weather and being busy with the kids means that my regular walks are history and comfort eating has seen the weight come back on.
Roll on the warmer weather.
as well as 8, 10 and 12 mile wanders. The trick is to walk at a speed that gets you hot and breathing fast, not to amble.That and no snacking and sensible food and one glass of beer or wine a day had the weight tumbling off, not that I was very much over my ideal to start with.
Sadly with the cold weather and being busy with the kids means that my regular walks are history and comfort eating has seen the weight come back on.
Roll on the warmer weather.
When I was losing weight (7 stones in a year) I was walking around my local pond for 45 mins a day, plus back and forth to work, and any other opportunity given.
Also made sure I always took the stairs (tend to anyway), and took the long way around at work, just to get the extra steps in
Also made sure I always took the stairs (tend to anyway), and took the long way around at work, just to get the extra steps in
Walking is great exercise but needs to be done at a reasonable pace. I probably walk between 20 to 25 miles each week without really trying.
Walking back from town instead of getting the train. Ok, it takes about 2 hours walking but it avoids sitting in a carriage full other peoples germs.
Walking to the local shops/bank etc. I think it is quicker than driving sometimes when the traffic is bad.
A recovery walk later in the day after my usual run or bike ride is a great way to ease any tight muscles and keep them moving.
A walk in the evening for an hour or two instead of sitting in front of the TV. Usually far more enjoyable in the summer.
It costs nothing and requires no outlay for special gear. I also find walking far more relaxing that sitting in a traffic jam. Also means I get to save my petrol for a hoon around the peaks.
Walking back from town instead of getting the train. Ok, it takes about 2 hours walking but it avoids sitting in a carriage full other peoples germs.
Walking to the local shops/bank etc. I think it is quicker than driving sometimes when the traffic is bad.
A recovery walk later in the day after my usual run or bike ride is a great way to ease any tight muscles and keep them moving.
A walk in the evening for an hour or two instead of sitting in front of the TV. Usually far more enjoyable in the summer.
It costs nothing and requires no outlay for special gear. I also find walking far more relaxing that sitting in a traffic jam. Also means I get to save my petrol for a hoon around the peaks.
K87 said:
But its more effective at weight loss.
you REALLY need to read up. To lose weight effectively you need to be in your fat burning zone with your heart rate (typically where you are slightly breathless but can still talk). Under or over this is a waste. - H.I.I.T is one of the best methods of excercise (periods of going all out with gentle periods in between, this way your body is unable to learn and adapt as it will to your walking,Also as much as you are told otherwise weightloss is achieved predominantely through diet, not exercise (which is more health) but change of diet is better on the scales than excercise and same diet. (proven through scientific research over time).
Look up how much excercise you need to do to burn off just one mars bar for example.
Basic tips: eat complex carbs early in the day, have some healthy fats at least twice a day (fish oil for example), have lots of green veg, drink lots and lots of water (tells your body that water supply is plentiful and not to store too much, remember most of your body is made up of water)
Key is to 'learn' about what you eat and types of food groups and then you can build a routine conbined with exercise.
Edited by amir_j on Monday 28th December 19:27
amir_j said:
K87 said:
But its more effective at weight loss.
you REALLY need to read up. To lose weight effectively you need to be in your fat burning zone with your heart rate (typically where you are slightly breathless but can still talk). Under or over this is a waste. - H.I.I.T is one of the best methods of excercise (periods of going all out with gentle periods in between, this way your body is unable to learn and adapt as it will to your walking, Edited by amir_j on Monday 28th December 19:27
K87 said:
amir_j said:
K87 said:
But its more effective at weight loss.
you REALLY need to read up. To lose weight effectively you need to be in your fat burning zone with your heart rate (typically where you are slightly breathless but can still talk). Under or over this is a waste. - H.I.I.T is one of the best methods of excercise (periods of going all out with gentle periods in between, this way your body is unable to learn and adapt as it will to your walking, Edited by amir_j on Monday 28th December 19:27
I think you can go for 3 months without eating.
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