QOTD: 6-2-04: "Formal" exercise?

[SSKatie]

Do you think that, in general, good ol' lively walking is just as effective as aerobics class, swimming, or treadmills when it comes to overall fitness? Why?

[CordyC]

Walking isn't enough for me, for a variety of reasons, both ego-driven and practical. The "ego" part is that I don't feel as "athletic" as when I do more formal types of exercise, and since I need challenges continually, after a certain point, I outgrow any walking program. The practical part comes from living in a climate with two seasons, Winter and Summer. I need something I can do 12 months a year, since I don't have ready access to a mall for an early-morning circuit and since I am a big wimp when it comes to walking on ice.

[ June 02, 2004, 05:54 PM: Message edited by: CordyC ]

[HazelAMW]

Katie; although walking is great cardio and good exercise, the weight training is what tones your body while the pounds are dropping off. I think walking is very important and the toning is just as important to keep your body slimming down to your goal size.

[latebloomer]

Well, I agree you need to do those other things, but my Brittany's begging eyes get me to walk a mile 3 times a day when I can find ever so many excuses not to lift weights, swim, whatever. But I give in to that dog even in the pouring rain! (She huddles under the umbrella with me!) I think my life-long weight mgmt. plan will probably have to include a medium size active dog!

Many days (it is hot here in Houston already) I want to give her away but I know she is doing me a favor with those eyes!

Latebloomer

[privatelady]

I never liked walking as I found it boring.
but I am buying a portable cd player with radio , so that I can either strut to some cool music or listen to a chat programe. Plus I have 2 dogs and a lovely beach , that I don't take advantage of.
So walking will become a regular thing, but I would like to go to the gym and do weights. As I have heard that resistance training is great for the bones.

[foxfieldco]

I have a fm radio headset that works with my cell phone... graemlins/thumbup.gif That way I can get hold of someone in case I get in trouble (I have a 6 mile route) and I can listen to tunes/talk, etc while I'm out walking.. :D

[Kimmiep]

walking is great in place of any cardio, whether step or aerobics or whatever. it firms your hips thighs and butt.
however
you gotta have weights. muscle burns fat all day long, and weights will help you get nice lean muscles. weights while walking are a bad idea because it is almost impossible to keep good form. there are tons of short weight vids, 15 min segements, for those who just hate weights! but you def need them!
( iuse to be a PT, so i almost know what i am talking about, lol)

[stephbear]

I think walking is great, especially if your not going to do anything else. However, I also think that some toning excercises should be done also.

I have a large dog that loves to go on his walks everynite. His walks, are more like a light jog for me though!!

Latebloomer I am in Houston also, and I try to find an excuse not to go out for the walks, but the dog sits at the door and cries, when he knows it is time to go. How do they know what time it is??? :confused:

[Mrs Peterson]

I feel like somewhat of a hypocrit because I believe you need more than walking, but walking is all I do right now.

When I used to lift weights and do cardio, I definately felt much more energetic and I do plan on going down that road again, but for now the walking is something to keep me from being completely stationary.

[privatelady]

foxfieldco tell me more about your phone cd thingy. what a great idea. graemlins/wave.gif

[SSKatie]

Originally posted by Kimmiep:
weights while walking are a bad idea because it is almost impossible to keep good form. Thanks, Kimmie--I'd always wondered about that! graemlins/thumbup.gif

[jaci]

When I lost 90lbs 8 years ago the only exercise I did was walking. I gradually increase the distance and pace, and then addes light hand weights.
I loved it, it was free, it was fresh air and I could go as long as far as I wanted to.

This time around (so far 48lbs)I have been power walking, but also including aerobics, free weights and even pilates. I agree that with the all over work out I am more toned than the last time...

[Chorister]

I think you do need to eventually do some strenghth-training;particulary to tone the upper body. But it can be as simple as those exercise bands..cheap and portable. I saw that Dr. Phil's wife has used those instead of ALL of the weight machines they have in their home. She prefers the cheap and simple bands.

I personally LOVE to listen to an audiobook while I walk. The time just FLIES by. I get my audiobooks from my public library.
;)

[SeeRuthRun]

Well, you can see by my screen name that I'm a little bit biased! :D

I think walking is terrific--love the fresh air, vitamin D, and checking out the neighbors' landscaping. I still do it. However . . . if you're trying to improve the aerobic capacity of your heart, there comes a time when walking just can't raise your heart rate to a training range. (Maybe race walking could, but I've never mastered that) In order to work in my target range, I need to run, do circuit training, a spinning class, something really vigorous. Once I got a heart rate monitor, I found that I even needed to really increase the resistance on the elliptical trainer even though I thought I was working SO hard.

And I agree with everyone who sugggested strength training. Muscles look good, take up less space, and burn more calories. Plus it's great to be able to move heavy object by yourself.

[Chantal]

I think walking is okay, I would never be able to keep it up, it would bore me after a while, I prefer classes when you can interact with people, it's so fun. But it is just as effective!

[judyo53]

I think walking is great for those that don't want to do anything else. However, our bodies get built up to our work outs & with walking you'd have to keep adding more & more time to keep improving your fitness level (or add jogging/running, which I can't do because of weak ankles & bad knees). I've never enjoyed a good outdoor power walk unless I go to a trail, & the trails are not close enough to my home. To me, I just can't get a power walk going in the neighborhood & I feel funny about it, too.

So I work out indoors with my aerobics & weight/resistance tapes.

[flower girl1]

I think walking is a great way to start an exercise program, especially if you don't currently do anything. It is not enough for me. I like Ruth am a runner, :work_out: which I think works your whole body, not just your legs. My arms and my torso are in the best shape they have ever been in. I think variety is key also so that you don't get bored, I have just started attending a yoga class 2 times a week. It should help with my running also.

You have to start somewhere, I think adding a little walking into your everyday routine will help with overall fitness.

[Queen Tiger Lily]

I think walking is great! Personally, I need a variety in my exercise program (walking, bicycling, spinning, strength training or a class at the gym) otherwise I'll get bored.

[jaci]

I love walking and Power Walking. I lost 90lbs purely by walking every day and doing WW's, and gradually introduces some hand weights to the regime.
When I had about 20lbs left to lose, I eventually joined the gym for upper body toning, but in general I toned up well all over from walking.

It cost nothing, I could do it when ever I wanted to every day of the week, I LOVE it still.

At the moment however I am experiencing our Australian Winter, and the weather has been very cold and wet, so I have been taking advantage of the WATP DVD's I got for Christmas and must say, am noticing fantastic results from it too.
:)