Plain old Walking

[lay]

I'm in college and, of course, the weight seems to be coming on a tad since I often eat junk instead of "real" meals, and I cut a day off my workout schedule (down to 3 cardio, 2 toning days). Anyway, my question is about walking...

If I walk to class (20 mins each way) instead of driving, will this help any? I'm not going to power walk, but 1 way is up a big hill. Do I need to have a higher heart rate to burn calories, or does any activity count?

Thanks!

 

[niclyf]

Hi Lay

I'm no Cathe, and don't possess the extensive knowledge she does by any stretch. Hopefully she'll find time to chime in and give you more professional advise. Of course, aerobic activity in combination with a challenging weight routine is your best defense in avoiding weight gain. If you're still working out 3 times a week and performing strength twice, you may want to intensify those days a bit to compensate for cutting back a day. In terms of walking each way, anything you do that burns calories is going to work in your benefit. I'm no expert, but I've always heard in terms of weight loss, a calorie burned is a calorie burned, so whether it's through vigorous exercise, or added daily activity, you're still using energy (calories) regardless. Just my .02

 

[gvaughn]

I've found that added daily activity not only burns calories, but also increases your endurance. Since I've started doing a lot of short, slow hikes with fifth-graders, I've noticed a big difference in my endurance and leg strength. Walk everywhere!

Gretchen

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Lay! Niclyf is absolutely right. And if you can also "try" to make better food choices you'll be that much more ahead of the game. I know, I know, that is near impossible as a college student (at least it was for me back then). Good Luck!