Walking

[Mar]

Hi all - For the past three weeks, usually twice a week, I've been walking my dog very briskly for 1 hour (4 miles). The weather has been beautiful and I just need to get out of my basement sometimes.

Anyway, I am an intensity junkie when it comes to cardio and am feeling guilty for walking instead. Am I wasting my time. Is walking as effective as cardio.

I have another 4 mile walk tonite and am feeling like I should do an IMAX instead.

Thanks for your help!

Mar

 

[swimnfit]

Hi Mar!

I've been doing the same thing! I'm not really feeling guilty about it though. To be honest, I've really been enjoying the nice weather and being outdoors. Plus the dog sure likes it!

I don't think it's a waste of time at all. I did a similar walk yesterday with my dog (about 1 hour) over trails with some moderate inclines and I actually felt it in my shins. It was not intense by IMAX standards at all, but I felt I was working my muscles in a different way and I felt great. Sometimes a break from the impact is a good thing.

I would enjoy it while you can! I know for me it will be HOT soon and the dog won't want to go!

Have Fun!!

Nicole

 

[clareMc]

fast walking is excellent for you, your entire leg and glutes. No matter how much weight training I do, if I power walk having not done it for ages, I feel it in the glutes immediately afterwards.

So what if it will not raise your heart rate as much as Imax: fresh air, sunshine, seeing the outside world and raising your spirits is soooooo worth it. And it is still a fat burner.

keep on walking I say.

Clare

 

[Mar]

Thank you both for your responses. I feel mych better now and am looking forward to my PM walk!

Mar

 

[40something]

Walking is great for your mind, body and spirit. Don't discount it as an effective cardio workout. Cardiologist claim everyone should walk at least 2 miles a day to maintain heart heatlh. I like to kick up the pace and walk vigorously. When I'm at the gym using the track there have been occasion's where I'm lapping people who are jogging. I always work up a good sweat walking and it's an activity I can do anywhere. I like to finish all of my walking session's with walking lunges to really tire out my legs. Maybe you can teach those to your dog!

We are FINALLY having a nice sunny day here...and no rain. I am itching to get out and run...or walk!:7

 

[bestoutwest]

Mar,

I have been getting outside more lately, also. It is finally acting like spring here, so I have been going for long walks and bike rides. Feels good to get out, even though it isn't as intense as a Cathe workout!!

 

[KathyH]

Hi Mar! I started a power walk/jog routine. I use challenges from cardiocoach.com (Sean O'Malley). You download the entire workout onto your MP3 player. There are 4 different levels which pushes you when your walking. He's very motivational. Its awesome. Then I've also been trying to get through the dreaded (gasp!) IMAX 3. I'll do only 5 intervals 1x a week & also do Kick Max in its entirety + I'm trying to do my walk/jog 3x a week. Its definitely not a waste of time. Your burning those calories so keep walking but try to do IMAX too. HTH, Kathy

 

[Mar]

Hi Kathy - Thanks for the info. I don't have an MP3 player. Will it work on a portable CD player.

Thanks

Mar

 

[KathyH]

Hi Mar! Yes you can purchase the ones specifically used for CD players except you'll need a LOT of batteries! LOL Kathy

 

[Bunbun]

I've been powerwalking/racewalking--whatever you want to call it--since 1998, but have really upped the intensity in the past 5 years. I have taken weight off and kept it off for 5 years with walking, plus I've been injury-free the whole time (whereas running used to kill my knees). So, no, it's not a waste of time! Just make sure you're walking fast and not dawdling.