Walking on treadmill

I am never going to be a runner. Some people love it and I admire everyone that runs. I have never been built for speed. I do walk on the treadmill. Is this actually proper exercise or would I be better off finding something else to do?

[flavourfiend]

Running or walking (not ambling!) the same distance burns close to the same amount of energy, just that walking it takes longer, of course. So long as you raise your pulse and respiration and get a bit of sweat on, you'll be doing fine.

My knees can't cope with running at the moment. Walking has much less impact on my joints, but I find it is still good cardio exercise, so long as I put in a bit of effort.

[Hidden in reply to flavourfiend]

I walk at 6.3 kmh is that ambling?

[Windswept1 in reply to Hidden]

That is definitely not ambling. That's a reasonable pace. you should be able to increase it slowly over time or increase the incline.

I did couch to 5 k and never thought I would enjoy it, but my running pace is not a lot faster than my walking pace!

[flavourfiend in reply to Hidden]

Just under 4 mph? That's fine, I reckon. I get a good workout at that speed because I have short legs ☺

[trafford1]

Walking on a treadmill is good exercise Aqua. What you should try to do though is have it set at a minimum incline of 1 to mimic walking outside and when you are comfortable increase this over time. So increase the incline and increase your speed to give you that extra burn as you build up your fitness. Eventually try out some of the different functions available like the hill climb this will allow you to increase and decrease your heart rate in a single workout and is very beneficial. Remember your in control so find a setting that suits you and then build on that and if your ever unsure of something remember to ask one of the trainers for help.

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Anything that gets you off your sofa is, in my book, a good thing

Don't forget to keep a tally of the distance you walk and log it on Lizzie's kicking the K's thread

[Meshyt]

Ramp up the incline and it's a great exercise. It's actually what bodybuilders do when they are cutting (losing fat to show muscle definition ). On a 5/6% incline they call it "pushing the cart" because it's so tough that you have to hold on to the front bar, and it looks likE you're pushing a shopping trolly!

Keep it up!!

[Hasna2015]

Me too, I am not a runner. I did the Couch to 5K six months ago, and was thrilled to be running for 25 minutes easily (didn't quite reach 30 minutes) . Especially since I had absolutely no running experience. But my knees started aching, and it got to a point where I could not ignore it any longer. As soon as I stopped running, the pain stopped. Walking is definitely very good exercise in the long run. My latest discovery is rebounding (on a mini trampoline) - it is really exhilarating. Its quite energetic, as in you get the same buzz as if from running. And no impact on knees or any joints. Try that if its an option. Definitely recommend it to anybody.

[Keep_on_going]

I have a treadmill and it's one of my best ever purchases. I run and walk on it. I get a lot of comments asking why not go out side? Why be on a treadmill? The fact is I do run and walk outside but nothing beats the convenience of the treadmill.

I can go on whenever I like, don't feel like I can't go because there's something I want to watch and the biggest bonus is I can be at home with the kids while they get on with homework.

Enjoy it but make sure you use it or it will be your most expensive waging horse ever!

[ShriRao]

Running>Jogging>Light Jogging>Brisk Walking>Walking>No Walking

Walking is by far better than no walking at all.

And of course you can over time graduate to brisk walking, then light jogging and so on.

Do it steadily and once you cross brisk walking, start couch to 5k program. I started it a few weeks back and have gone from brisk walking to light jog for about 5 mins non stop.

The most important thing here is to pace yourself. The last thing you want to do is overdo it. So please go slow and steady.

Cheers

[Hidden in reply to ShriRao]

I will not be jogging or running ever there will be no graduation.

[Zest Healthy BMI]

Hi Aqua,

I agree with the general consensus that walking on the treadmill is excellent exercise. I hope you're enjoying it.

Hope you're having a great week.

Lowcal

[Hidden in reply to Zest]

Sadly I don't enjoy it but I am determined to do it.

[skinnylizzie in reply to Hidden]

put some headphones on it made a lot of difference to my walking by myself, I am fine when I go with my friend because we are nattering all the way round I just don't notice the distance but on my own it seems a long way!

[Ffion2]

Why not walk outside?

[Hidden in reply to Ffion2]

I woukd not do it. The reason I do thus is I commit my self to an hour cv 3 times a week ( 35 mins cross trainer 35 mins walk). Plus a long swim on Saturdays.

I wish I could say I liked it but I don't I endure it. However once in the gym I complete it.

I have to say I hate the cold and weather and any excuse not to go would be what happened

[flavourfiend in reply to Hidden]

I know someone who even walks their dog on the treadmill rather than go outside! The dog doesn't seem to mind too much.

[Hidden in reply to flavourfiend]

Hmmm - nice idea Do you have to go on the treadmill as well - or just the dog ?... <starts ordering a doggy treadmill from Santa>

[flavourfiend in reply to Hidden]

I think running together is a bit of a trip hazard! She just fastens his lead to the bar and sets it going.

He took to it really easily. He's a Norwegian Buhund - a kind of mini-Husky. He's very sweet, but gets bored easily and needs LOTS of exercise. He can run for hours without getting tired or fed up.

I wonder if she's ever forgotten to go back and untie him?

[Ffion2]

Good for you - sounds like you have a plan you can stick to. I hate walking on the treadmill, but I love walking outdoors - mind you, I've collected more coats and overtrousers than I know what to do with! I wish I could do the long swim bit - I'm absolutely useless - one length flat out and that's me scuppered!

[Hidden in reply to Ffion2]

I think that is a body type thing I can swim forever and not get tired but I cannot run. You are obviously more evolved them me. I haven't made it out of the ocean yet.

[ceejayblue]

I do Leslie Sansone in Home walking videos, it includes walking and aerobic exercises and is great fun to do.

[Hidden]

Sounds great but why not walk outside and get some light and air. Lifts the spirits and better for health. Mix it up indoors outdoors. Same pace and get some light on these dark winter days. I have a dog that helps me.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I don't like cold winter days. The cats plead with me to switch summer back on.

[Hidden]

Haha! I agree but get your warm clothes on and get out there gal it Wil do you good