6 minute Test

[Marmite55]

Has anyone done this on a treadmill? I have a knee problem and I’m a little worried about uneven surfaces and balance….thought I check this out before buying possibly some of those Nordic Walking Sticks. Any ideas gratefully considered.

[AquaFanatic]

Hi Marmite 55, I'm no expert but I'd think the point of this 6 minute walk is to compare one week with the next to see your improvements.... I'm walking further now than I did at the start.

Nordic walking I can tell you about. The brand Nordic for the poles are very good but pricey. If you might depend on them a little for stability, I wouldn't buy the collapsible poles. Also, I'd definitely recommend a beginners group to get you in the correct walking position. It's not much different to swinging arms and legs in marching, but there is a technique that will help you keep going and help with stamina. A group is very beneficial too.

A trained Nordic instructor will be pleased to talk through your abilities & keep an eye on all the clients throughout the sessions for safety. Have a chat first to see if you are comfortable & they should lend/hire poles till you decide if it's right for you. I hope you love it as much as I do - its a wonderful outdoor social activity.

As for the treadmill, I don't have one but think it could be a good idea for anyone's health. Not sure how you'd measure your improvements, but perhaps soeone else here can answer.

Good luck!

[Sarah_EXI Administrator EXI Support]

Hi Marmite55 - What AquaFanatic said below is really helpful about walking.

The 6 Minute Walk test on EXI is designed to be a benchmark and to measure your progress - whether you do it each week, every three weeks, or whatever works best for you. My tips for you:

It does need to be done outdoors rather than on a treadmill - we use GPS and step measurements to track your progress. Ideally - find a spot where you feel safe and comfortable walking and use this as your 6 minute walk spot each time you do it if possible.

We recommend flat ground. Run the test for the 6 minutes with your phone in your hand for the best accuracy.

Don't race, just walk purposefully as you usually would on a walk.

If you need to stop and rest, or cannot walk for the full 6 minutes, that's OK! There is no need to stop or pause the test. It's not an exam, we are just measuring your progress, and hopefully your improved abilities!

I hope that this is helpful,

Sarah