Has anyone had successful WL with just plain old walking? I've seen a lot of articles about how walking just 30 minutes a day can make a big difference.

I got myself a heart rate tracker. I shouldn't go over 188 which is my estimated maximum heart rate. And instead stay with in 135-145 to start...increasing that amount as I get more fit.

Also, I was instructed to walk at an incline (I'm using a treadmill). As that would help to minimize my lower body. Last, a new sneaker by Sketcher's "Shape Ups" might help boost my toning efforts as well. Those I haven't tried. There's also a similar sneaker by Reebok they call "Easy Tone".

I'm want to alternate walking, weight training and yoga. But start with walking first, then add in the weight training, and later yoga.

Anybody interested let me know. We can keep tabs on each other!! And any feedback would also be greatly appreciated!!

Sandra,

In the beginning of weight loss it is very important to do cardio which is the treadmill. I didn't even start to exercise until I lost 60 pounds, which was stupid because I lost whatever muscle that I did have and had to begin all over again. I am still slow on the cardio but I love going to the gym and lift weights. I go to LA Fitness in Arlington. I don't know if you belong to a gym but it is also so much easier when you have a partner. I will still always do it myself though as I now geet depressed if I don't.

Cardio is excellent when losing weight and do a bit of an incline for your calves and quads. I also heard that if you stay at a constant fast pace and I call it a power walk without the incline that is just as good.

Josephine

Sandra,

In the beginning of weight loss it is very important to do cardio which is the treadmill. I didn't even start to exercise until I lost 60 pounds, which was stupid because I lost whatever muscle that I did have and had to begin all over again. I am still slow on the cardio but I love going to the gym and lift weights. I go to LA Fitness in Arlington. I don't know if you belong to a gym but it is also so much easier when you have a partner. I will still always do it myself though as I now geet depressed if I don't.

Cardio is excellent when losing weight and do a bit of an incline for your calves and quads. I also heard that if you stay at a constant fast pace and I call it a power walk without the incline that is just as good.

Josephine

I appreciate your input very much. I like your idea of walking on an incline. I was told that it makes a difference. I did pick up this months Prevention Magazine. It had a walking program included. I figured that would help me to set some goals. Thank you!

Successful exercise for weight loss is all about intensity.

If really brisk walking for you is intense enough to raise a sweat and have your heart rate well elevated (say 130 or more) and still gentle enough that you can do it daily, then its going to work GREAT. Until such time as you get too fit for that and then you have to decide to introduce more intensity such as jogging.

Its when people say they hate running, and just want to walk because its easier that walking isnt so great. Easy walking will work at first but you soon outgrow it. You really should be sweating and slightly uncomfortable when you exercise.

The treadmill is great because you cant slow down, it keeps your pace up. The more incline, the better, walking fast on a high incline can be much tougher than jogging flat, without the impact. And inclines give you a great ass.

But ANYTHING that you will consistently do is great!

Successful exercise for weight loss is all about intensity.

If really brisk walking for you is intense enough to raise a sweat and have your heart rate well elevated (say 130 or more) and still gentle enough that you can do it daily, then its going to work GREAT. Until such time as you get too fit for that and then you have to decide to introduce more intensity such as jogging.

Its when people say they hate running, and just want to walk because its easier that walking isnt so great. Easy walking will work at first but you soon outgrow it. You really should be sweating and slightly uncomfortable when you exercise.

The treadmill is great because you cant slow down, it keeps your pace up. The more incline, the better, walking fast on a high incline can be much tougher than jogging flat, without the impact. And inclines give you a great ass.

But ANYTHING that you will consistently do is great!

"a great ass" aahaha i hoping to minimize my HUGE BUBBLE BUTT on that incline. ahaha thanks for your feedback!! i def hear what you are saying. the program i got out of the mag does have a little burst of jogging every so many minutes. i decided i would kick that for now but add it in as i get more active.

got my gym bag packed and ready to go....tomorrow day 1!

Has anyone had successful WL with just plain old walking? I've seen a lot of articles about how walking just 30 minutes a day can make a big difference.

I got myself a heart rate tracker. I shouldn't go over 188 which is my estimated maximum heart rate. And instead stay with in 135-145 to start...increasing that amount as I get more fit.

Also, I was instructed to walk at an incline (I'm using a treadmill). As that would help to minimize my lower body. Last, a new sneaker by Sketcher's "Shape Ups" might help boost my toning efforts as well. Those I haven't tried. There's also a similar sneaker by Reebok they call "Easy Tone".

I'm want to alternate walking, weight training and yoga. But start with walking first, then add in the weight training, and later yoga.

Anybody interested let me know. We can keep tabs on each other!! And any feedback would also be greatly appreciated!!

Kudos on getting a heart rate monitor - it's a must in my book. I ditto what Jachut said.... It's not so much what/when/where you exercise, rather it's the intensity at which you do so. Expecting to get to goal with walking being the only form of exercise is really unrealistic. Most people have to continually alter their exercise in order to create the challenge necessary. Work hard and stay focused!

Brad

Ive gone to a gym for 2 weeks and have gained 3.5lbs since starting. Im doing the eliptical & treadmil. Any ideas as to what might be going on other than building muscle mass?

If you're creating a calorie deficit, then you aren't building muscle mass. Are you journaling your food/exercise? Fitday is a great program for doing this. Tracking these things helps when you're trying to identify a problem.

Also be certain you're getting adequate Water intake.

Good luck!

Brad