| Smurlene
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Well, now that I have quit Curves, I can no longer use my walks for only utilitarian purposes (grocery shoping, catching the bus, etc.). Although I walk about a half an hour in the morning and again in the evening, now that it will be my only form of exercise (except for the occassional round of tennis and a little lap swimming) until I buy an elliptical in January I want to make sure that I am getting the absolute most out of walking.
I am just not sure how to do that. I have gone to several sites that will help you map your walk and give you distances, which is cool, but is there anything else I should do to really make my walks effective? Now that fall is here, I am even more excited about walking for exercise. |
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Tue Sep 18, 2007 12:30 am |
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| Jadzia
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I don't know if there is such groups near your place, but maybe there's some walking clinics / activities you could join near your place...
In Canada, I know the Running Room does organise those activities. I never join them, but it can be a great way to reach your goals while meeting people !
Good luck ! |
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Tue Sep 18, 2007 12:42 am |
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| Smurlene
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| Part of my problem with joining a walking group (which I would love to do!) is that I have no mode of transportation to get there. There are several groups in my city, but I would have to take a cab to where they regularly walk. |
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Tue Sep 18, 2007 12:44 am |
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| LAURELWOOD
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I made my walking much more effective when I got a heart rate monitor. With it, I have feedback on how much I'm doing & I enjoy giving myself challenges. (You could try taking your own pulse.)
I sometimes add short periods of jogging to my walking (sort of HIIT) to get my heart rate up. That seems to help me to lose fat.
Some people like having a pedometer.
There are also weighted shoes and weighted walking vests.
There are walking fitness videos (in the library) which add different types of steps and upper body movements.
Have fun! |
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Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:28 am |
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| Smurlene
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Laurel--I think I might get a heart rate monitor. That would really help make the most of my walking workouts. I have a number of walking DVDs. I just want something more regimented for my outdoor walks. I want to enjoy the weather while I can.
Thanks for your input! |
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Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:31 am |
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| LAURELWOOD
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| The HRM is one of my best fitness purchases. I had thought I was doing alot, but I found out my heart rate wasn't getting up where it should be. |
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Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:54 am |
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| luvs_torun
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Just my opinion, however I would advise against wearing weighted shoes or using ankle weights, wrist weights, etc. when walking (or running)...
The risk of injury to yourself will exceed any benefits of a few more calories burned. |
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Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:56 am |
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| Smurlene
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| luvs--i agree about the ankle weights. Years ago, I got severe shin splints from them. Ouch! |
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Thu Sep 20, 2007 1:17 am |
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| clipper24
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Walking is my preferred form of exercise.
I've been doing it for over 2 yrs and it helped me lose weight and to maintain my weight lose. I walk 45 minutes 3 times a week, and do 30 minutes + lifting dumbells 2-3 times per week.
I'd suggest walking as if "you are late for an appointment". |
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Thu Sep 20, 2007 1:49 pm |
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| rushsmom
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Don't forget to add hills. I had been doing the same old walk for about 6 months, and was getting nowhere. It had hills in it, and flat, but it wasn't enough @ 2 miles. I started doing every hill in my neighborhood twice. We have 6 hills and two are REALLY steep! I did the hills as fast as I could, as well. It made a tremendous difference! In two weeks, I could see a real difference in my body, and all sorts of people were asking me how much weight I'd just lost. Now, the scale didn't say I lost anything, but the mirror and my clothes told a different story.
That's why I say: remember to add the hills. Initially it's a bear, but you will come to love them! |
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Wed Sep 26, 2007 11:01 pm |
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