Exercise Training: Is Walking Enough?
By Fitness Training ProgramsI live in paradise. South Florida is warm almost all year round and its a great place to live if you are health conscious like I am. One of the things I notice in my neighborhood every morning before I head to work are people walking. I see them walking along the street, walking in the parks, walking everywhere. Get the picture? I had a thought the other day and I wanted to share it with you. Is walking enough? What do you think?
The body can adapt to exercise very quickly. You have to vary the stimulus on your body over time to see results. If you are walking at the same pace every day, chances are you aren’t varying the stimulus enough to see greater results. I see most “walkers” going the same pace all the time and over a period of weeks they still look the same. There is no fat loss and there is no overall improvement in cardiovascular health. Walking at the same pace every day is just “maintenance” at best, but at least it is exercise. If you want to vary the stimulus on the body, then walk a further distance and vary your walking speed or even your weight. How can you vary your weight when you walk? You can carry a set of dumbbells or even buy a weight vest to increase your weight. You might also try varying your walking elevation by walking up hills or if on a treadmill changing the incline. Walking is enough if all you want to maintain is your present levels of fitness, but if you want to improve you need to add something to it. Until next time, see you on the lean side.
Darren McDuffie
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Certified Nutrition and Weight Management Specialist
Certified Exercise Foundations Specialist
Certified Fitness Testing Specialist
So right on!! Ever since I got my dog Iggy, I’ve kinda of cut out my power walking for long dog walks. They are still pretty fast because I let him lead and sometimes I even go into a little jog [when my hamstring allows], but I know it’s not the same. Plus, as I age and with my thyroid, I feel like trying to lose even 5 pounds is such a monumental task. I’ve cut my calories to 1300 [good calories] and have only lost 1.5 pounds in 10 days. So frustrating. I know slow is the way to go, but I feel like I’m active everyday with tennis, walking, zumba, yoga, and I’m still here. Maybe I’ll add 3 days of power walking instead of just one. Thanks again for a great post and thanks for your sympathy. Actually, as I wrote that last line it made me wonder if my lack of sleep could be the cuprit. I’m in bed for at least 7-8 hours, but with the night sweats, I don’t think I get more than 5 hours of good sleep.
.-= bobbie´s last blog ..#96 X-Rated Acrobatics =-.
This was a very good blog. I have been walking since November w/very little results. Just maintaining as you said.
If you are walking at the same pace or same rate,you are just maintaining… take it up a notch and watch the results come!!