Hey guys,

I have a treadmill at home and i wanted to start walking, and i was wondering how often and how long i should walk to get a decent work out during the week. I probably have time to walk 4 to 5 times a week.

What do you guys think?

walk thirty minutes at least every day at a very brisk walk or run

4-5 times every week is fantastic.

First pointer - dont walk on the flat. They say an incline of 2 approximates outside walking/jogging.

Second pointer - dont always do the same thing. Does your treadmill have any programs you can do? I do an interval training program twice a week and long steady sessions other times.

Treadmills are great because you cant really slack on the intensity the way you do on other machines, but make sure you do challenge yourself, you need to be doing more than a stroll.

Lastly, just do it. I think its taken me the better part of six months to really make exercise a habit that I miss now if I dont keep up. Its really hard but there's no way other than to just make yourself do it and eventually you learn to love it, or at least love what it does for you.

I like music - if you have an MP3 or ipod it can be really worthwhile searching out some music you like that has the right beat - I can be jogging on my treadmill and flagging a bit, feeling heavy or lethargic and the right music comes on and I'm away!

A treadmill is great exercise. I had my DH move mine to the living room so I can pop in one of my favorite movies and walk while I watch. Before I know it the move is over and I have walked all the way through it. Also It right there in the room nagging me if try to avoid it.

Jachut - I havent gotten to your level of missing it if I don't exercise I still need a few reminders and nudging

4-5 times every week is fantastic.

First pointer - dont walk on the flat. They say an incline of 2 approximates outside walking/jogging.

Second pointer - dont always do the same thing. Does your treadmill have any programs you can do? I do an interval training program twice a week and long steady sessions other times.

Treadmills are great because you cant really slack on the intensity the way you do on other machines, but make sure you do challenge yourself, you need to be doing more than a stroll.

Lastly, just do it. I think its taken me the better part of six months to really make exercise a habit that I miss now if I dont keep up. Its really hard but there's no way other than to just make yourself do it and eventually you learn to love it, or at least love what it does for you.

I like music - if you have an MP3 or ipod it can be really worthwhile searching out some music you like that has the right beat - I can be jogging on my treadmill and flagging a bit, feeling heavy or lethargic and the right music comes on and I'm away!

Jachut, everything you just said! Everything down to the Ipod thing. I downloaded 4 new songs today and lemme tell ya.... the songs and the beats (usually pop or hip hop) make me run faster, workout harder and push more.

Thanks for your post Jachut!

I get an insane grin and that runners high really hits me with the right music - I'll push up the speed and focus. Then I collapse, lol.

I think your timing (4-5 times per week) sounds good. And I agree you want to do it for at least 30 minutes. If you can't right now, work up to it. Another thing, intersperse some jogging or higher inclines. Like walk 3 minutes then jog or walk steeper for 1 minute. This adds variety and helps you get more fit.