I will be totally honest with you here. Before I went into hospital I pre wrote some training plans for the getting back to walking scheme. I assumed I knew how I would feel and what sort of time structure would make sense.
I've scrapped everything I had done and I'm starting from scratch. We are not going to do a specific walk (i.e. 10 -20 min three times a week). We are going to listen to our own bodies and walk within our own capabilities. I know there are many of us who the strength and flex program is well out of our reach right now because it involves a 30+ walk and therefore it makes us wonder if we will ever get there but that's the goal. There will be no time constraints because some of us will be slower than others.
I want us to be able to discuss our walks no matter what the length or speed and have support and encouragement.
Each step out the door and back again should be acknowledged.
So here we go!
Week One
Out the door.
Times start with three times a week or if you feel able you can build up to 5 and go on to 7
(If your doing the 5-7 times a week. Make sure all the walks are manageable, maybe if your feeling like a challenge do one longer walk a week, but no more than that)
Ask your self the question do I know myself well enough to gage when I reach my half way energy point? This is really going to help you find the right length of walk for you. I would always stop earlier in the beginning, so you don't overdo it.
So either 5-10 min walk from your front door turn round and back again. 10-20 min walk in total depending on your energy levels.
If 5min is too much turn back earlier you will get to the 5min mark when your ready.
We are not racing here, we are taking our time and building a fitness level that will last. It is literally the first step to a whole host of places this exercise lark can take us.
So please join me so we can form a little group and We can work together as we get our walking legs back.
Also don't forget any major health issues always talk to your doctor about whether this is ok for you. It is always going to be gentle and within your comfort zone as you are calling the shots.