Beginner

[Nikkired30]

I'm not very fit at all, I want to start walking but how long should I walk or how many steps would you say I need to do daily to see weightless results whilst doing a calorie controlled diet. Thanks 😃

[Nikkired30]

This is really helpful thank you 😃

[Hidden]

Hi there Nikkired, welcome to our forum! Everyone is at different levels of fitness - some members are struggling with health issues, others with weight problems and many with general lack of fitness. Count me in all of the above! The golden rule is to set realistic goals for yourself. The recommended number of daily steps is 10 000 - when I joined the group 7 months ago I could only manage 200. I am now (since yesterday!) up to 3 000 steps. This is a huge achievement for me. I have also been watching my diet for the past 3 months and have lost 20 lbs. So you see, you have to do what is right for you! Start slowly and build up your fitness level as your body gets used to moving. In the beginning, and every time I increase my steps, I walk the bus route so I know I can always get home! No matter how far you walk, you will be supported and encouraged here - we will be with you every step of the way!

[Scottishgranny in reply to Hidden]

Great idea to follow the bus route just in case

[Nikkired30]

Thank you

[runswithdogs]

Welcome. As Kay said, it's very you-dependent. It might have to take some experimentation on your part to see what you can do that feels good without doing too much. For some folks that might mean walking to the end of their driveway and back. For others it might mean a 10km walk on weekends. Do you have a sense of how many steps you take on a regular day?

[Nikkired30 in reply to runswithdogs]

Probably around 5-6,000 but know I don't get enough exercise. I don't enjoy working out so though walking would be the best place to start. I'd like to be able to run but when I try, I get throwing headaches.

[Realfoodieclub]

I agree with Kay50 and Runswithdogs exercise is best tackled at your own pace. It is better to start small and build up. We will be here to support you and be part of your journey. Keep coming back and you will be surprised at how much you will achieve.

[Moppy2018]

I am just recovering for a severe back *playing up* situation. I generally used to average 12000 steps a day. I need to boost this at least one day a week eventually! Tomorrow if I get to 10000 then that'll do great. I am walking with friends. If you do progress with walking I cannot reiterate enough ...the value of stretching afterwards. Good luck

[Johnnyagar]

If you train for a marathon you don't start with one you start with a mile and continue with a mile until you do it without stopping. The same thin applies in principle to your new journey where you start small until you have the confidence to step it out a bit more. 2 things will happen: you will start loosing weight with you weight loss programme and you will find the distance becomes easier and quicker until you begin to sweat less and do the same distances faster. There is no right or wrong way to start as long as you warm up a bit and stay safe.

I started by pushing out whilst walking 3 dogs and extending the walk to a nice measure, then coming home sweaty. First new walk was 1 hour 15 minutes and it is now 50 mins and not more sweaty man. This is only an example, you must set your own targets to suit you and not be pressured to do something that may result in injury.

Plan right for you and stay safe.

Oh and let us know how you get on.

Good Luck and happy new year

[Hidden]

Hi Nikki

hard to say as everyone is different but average walking speed is around 3MPH

so plan a route around that you can use google maps etc and see how you go!

Paul