Walking for Exercise ? How Long ?

[Gizmo2]

I have to say 5 MPH is **** fast. I'm a 3.8 MPH guy.

[charlz]

The key really is to walk at a pace that puts you in your 'target heart rate' range for your age and fitness level. Some good info here about the range by age and working up to working out at the upper end of the range

That is why when I used to walk I eventually moved up to running... walking just didn't get me to my target heart rate anymore. If I do walk on treadmills a lot I can get up to 4.5 mph but if I haven't been walking for a while something like 3.8 is a lot more comfortable.

One thing I have found to pass the time quickly on a treadmill is to start watching a series like Band of Brothers or something on the TV or portable DVD player sitting on the machine. It's amazing how much faster time goes when your mind is totally distracted

[brin]

Originally Posted by bigtiller

I like New Balance shoes but just about any good tennis shoe will work.

I wish I could walk as fast as Woodchuckie at 5 MPH but I am happy with 3 mph. At first, the trick is not how fast or how far you can walk but how often. Try for at least 4 days a week to help develop a good habit and some time to heel when things start hurting. It took me well over a year to work up to 3 miles every day and I have enjoyed every step along the way.

Woodchuckie must have a huge stride because I am 6'1" , only weigh 172 lbs. and walk pretty fast ( just short of breaking into a run) and it takes me 19 to 20 minutes to speed walk a mile....just saying...at 5mph I would be jogging.

[Bird]

I like New Balance shoes but just about any good tennis shoe will work.

When I found out I was going to the FBI National Academy in the early Spring of 1986, I knew that everyone had to participate in their physical training, which included a lot of running, and we were instructed to bring good running shoes. Not being into jogging and running myself, I asked a guy who was and he recommended New Balance 1100 shoes. So that's what I bought; highest priced shoes I'd ever bought, but they really were some of the most comfortable and long lasting athletic shoes I ever owned. So I went to the Run On Texas store because they were a New Balance dealer, however, I wound up buying another brand that might be just as good. And now I've lost the box and don't know what brand I'm wearing.

[bigtiller]

I have about 140 miles on my new pair and they are just broken in. I can't see any wear on them at all. I gave up on the tred mill a long time ago, outside walking is what I like.

[woodchuckie]

OK, I started questioning myself about my statement of 5 mph when I walk, so this morning after I went swimming I drove by the place I walk and checked the distance by driving around it. It's actually only 1.3 miles around and I go around 3 times in my hour of walking. Sometimes I wander off in different ways since there is a nature trail that goes to the river and sometimes I start at the church where I drop someone off for some kind of practice now and then. That adds another mile so I don't have time to go around but two times. The pace I walk doesn't give me any aerobic exercise. When I walk in the woods up and down hills, now that is an aerobic workout. But the swimming is also aerobic and if I slow down there I sink and that's so much better on the joints.

[bigshovel]

June 22nd I was at the doctors for the first time in over 12 years. I am a young guy 34 to be exact. I was shocked to see my weight.

I'm a large framed guy, spent 7 years as a competitive heavy lifter and then quit period, no walking, running, lifting at all. Combine inactivity with a desk job and a new wife and you end up at 359 lbs. from 268 a decade earlier.

I began walking everyday rain or shine up to 6 miles a day, mostly rolling terrain. I have taken off 59 lbs to date and totally changed my eating habits.

Coffee, Tea, Soda, any sweets GONE from my diet and I feel way better only taking in 1600 calories.

I'm shooting for 242 and a 36" waist like old times.

Brad

[BruceWard]

Congrats Brad! That is quite a loss!

[Gizmo2]

Originally Posted by woodchuckie

OK, I started questioning myself about my statement of 5 mph when I walk, so this morning after I went swimming I drove by the place I walk and checked the distance by driving around it. It's actually only 1.3 miles around and I go around 3 times in my hour of walking.

Now I feel 15 years younger!

[BruceWard]

Some research earlier this year determined that 100 steps per minute is what is needed

BBC NEWS | Health | Strive for '100 steps per minute'
"In general, men needed to walk at a pace of 92 to 102 steps per minute to achieve a moderately intense workout for their hearts. The range for women was between 91 and 115 steps per minute. "
Moderate Intensity Walking Means 100 Steps Per Minute
Study Shows Moderate Intensity Walking Means 100 Steps Per Minute - 3000 Steps In 30 Minutes 5 Times A Week

If your stride is 3 feet then at 100 steps per minute you would cover a mile every 17.6 minutes or 3.4 miles per hour.